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Victoria —Melbourne switchover areaSwitchover window 1 July – 31 December 2013OCTOBER 2012

This switchover area report was prepared by the ACMA and provided to the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy (DBCDE) approximately 12 months prior to the end of the identified switchover window for this area. The early provision of switchover area reports to DBCDE allows an appropriate amount of time for discussions between the government and broadcasters to address any identified issues prior to the switch-off of analog television services. This report does not account for any subsequent government policy decisions or changes in broadcasting infrastructure or programming since that time. For up-to-date information on the switch to digital television, visit the DBCDE Are you READY for digital TV website.

http://www.digitalready.gov.au/

CanberraPurple Building Benjamin OfficesChan Street Belconnen ACT

PO Box 78Belconnen ACT 2616

T +61 2 6219 5555F +61 2 6219 5353

MelbourneLevel 44 Melbourne Central Tower360 Elizabeth Street Melbourne VIC

PO Box 13112Law Courts Melbourne VIC 8010

T +61 3 9963 6800F +61 3 9963 6899

SydneyLevel 5 The Bay Centre65 Pirrama Road Pyrmont NSW

PO Box Q500Queen Victoria Building NSW 1230

T +61 2 9334 7700 1800 226 667F +61 2 9334 7799

© Commonwealth of Australia 2012This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any process without prior written permission from the Commonwealth. Requests and inquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be addressed to the Manager, Editorial Services, Australian Communications and Media Authority, PO Box 13112 Law Courts, Melbourne Vic 8010.

Published by the Australian Communications and Media Authority

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Contents

Coverage evaluation matrix 4

Executive summary 5

Melbourne switchover area 7

Coverage evaluation 10The ACMA’s CEP methodology 10Digital channel plans 10Implementation plans 11Survey planning 11Field survey measurement program 11Same coverage 12Signal-deficient areas 12Fortuitous reception issues 13Conclusion 13

Appendix A 15Melbourne switchover area 15

Appendix B 16Transmission sites in the Melbourne switchover area 16

Appendix C 17Remote licence areas adjacent to the Melbourne switchover area 17

Appendix D 18Switchover areas adjacent to and/or overlapping the Melbourne switchover area 18

Appendix E 19Measurement locations in the Melbourne switchover area 19

Appendix F 20Urban centre/locality-specific results for the Melbourne switchover area 20

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Coverage evaluation matrixThe following table references typical terms used in this report as a description of digital coverage and reception. As these terms have specific technical and engineering definitions, the table has been prepared to provide the reader with a reference point.

Category Coveragedescription

Affected services

EvaluationDescription of issueField

strengthReception

quality

No issues

Strong

All

Suburban + 12 dB

Above threshold n/a

Very good Suburban + 6 dB

Above threshold n/a

Good Suburban Above threshold n/a

Potential minor issues

Adequate

At least one below suburban threshold

Rural Above threshold

While adequate coverage should provide good signal reception over an area, some statistical signal variations could potentially cause occasional reception difficulties.The rural notional receiving system with 10 m antenna height* may be required in some areas to avoid digital reception issues.

*As defined in the Digital Terrestrial Television Broadcasting Planning Handbook, the ABA, 2005.

Issues

Poor

At least one below

rural threshold

Below rural Below threshold

Isolated^—affects less than approximately 5% of the populated areaPatchy^—affects between approximately 5% and 25% of the populated area

No coverage All

Widespread^—affects more than approximately 25% of the populated area^Please note that this percentage figure should not be used to calculate the percentage of affected population.

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Executive summaryThe Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) performed field survey measurements as part of its Coverage Evaluation Program (CEP) across the Melbourne switchover area between May and September 2012. Based on the available information and the evidence gathered through prediction modelling and survey measurements, all planned digital services in the switchover area that have been rolled out are, in general, achieving the same level of coverage and potential reception quality in digital mode as is provided by existing analog television services(referred to as the ‘same coverage policy objective’)1.

While the ACMA has determined that the vast majority of Melbourne metropolitan and Melbourne hinterland2 localities have adequate to strong signal coverage, and licensed broadcasters in the switchover area are, in general, meeting their coverage obligations, it is likely that a number of households in marginal or signal-deficient areas will experience poor analog and digital television reception. The localities in the Melbourne hinterland (with populations in brackets) identified with potential widespread reception issues include Aireys Inlet-Fairhaven (1,145), Anglesea (2,292), Cape Paterson (672), Lancefield (1,186), Shoreham (846), Wandong- Heathcote Junction (1,489) and Waterford Park (202).

The ACMA has also identified 13 locations in the Melbourne hinterland which are likely to experience patchy reception issues. In addition, viewers in some locations in the Melbourne hinterland and Melbourne metropolitan areas could potentially experience isolated or minor reception problems. Appendix F of this report provides area-specific details. The ACMA predicts that a comparatively smaller percentage of households may experience analog and digital reception difficulties in these locations compared to those listed above.

On 11 May 2010, the government announced that broadcasters will convert a substantial number of existing self-help retransmission facilities to digital as well as establish a number of new ‘gap filler’ sites that will provide terrestrial television coverage to a number of areas. Of the five self-help retransmission sites currently operating in the Melbourne switchover area, broadcasters are considering four of these for conversion from analog to digital. The self-help retransmission services from the Gisborne site are not listed for conversion to digital. Broadcasters are currently considering implementing two gap filler sites.

The gap filler and self-help retransmission sites are not planned in the digital channel plans (DCPs) and broadcasters are not legislatively obliged to submit implementation plans (IPs) or roll out the services at any given point in time. Until a finalised list of self-help conversions and gap filler installations is officially advised, this information should be considered as indicative only. It is possible that areas served by analog self-help facilities that are not converted to digital will become signal-deficient after the analog switch-off.

The ACMA has received and approved IPs for the planned commercial services listed in the DCPs for this switchover area. The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy has approved all IPs for the national services (ABC and

1 The same coverage policy objective as outlined in the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 states that as soon as is practicable after the commencement of the required analog/digital television simulcast period in an area, broadcasters must provide the same level of coverage in digital mode as is provided by existing corresponding analog television services.2 Hinterland localities are the townships outside the greater metropolitan area, however within the metropolitan licence area.

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SBS). According to the ACMA’s records, all planned national services and commercial services have been rolled out in the switchover area.

Households situated in remote licence area and digital terrestrial television signal-deficient areas will have access to the Viewer Access Satellite Television (VAST) service in line with applicable satellite access arrangements.

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Melbourne switchover areaThe Melbourne switchover area (refer to Appendix A) is the same as the Melbourne TV1 licence area and overlaps with the Gippsland license area (refer to Appendix D).

The area covers approximately 13,081 square kilometres and, according to the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics 2006 Census data, has an estimated population of 3,916,841. For the purposes of the ACMA’s coverage assessments, a total of 95 urban centres/localities were identified within the Melbourne TV1 licence area3.

The Melbourne switchover area is served by one main transmission site, eight broadcaster-owned and -operated translator sites and five self-help analog retransmission sites (refer to Appendix B). Two additional digital gap filler facilities, Melbourne Inner Suburbs and Ocean Grove, are being considered for implementation by broadcasters.

Tables 1 to 3 outline all existing transmission sites in the switchover area and provide a summary of services. A/D indicates analog or digital transmission, letters designate the service call sign of the broadcaster, numbers designate the radiofrequency channel number, $ indicates retransmission service and V/H indicates signal polarisation.

Table 1 Broadcaster-owned and -operated sites

Area served ABC SBS Net 7 Net 9 Net 10

Broadcaster converted services— DCP planned, IP approved, same coverage objective;

*Alternative digital coverage of the service is provided from other site(s) or broadcaster to apply for roll out exemption

Ferntree Gully A:ABC56 H

D:ABC47 H A:SBS68 HD:SBS50 H

SevenA:HSV59 HD:HSV41 H

NineA:GTV62 HD:GTV44 H

TenA:ATV65 HD:ATV54 H

MarysvilleA:ABC46 HD:ABC60 H

A:SBS58 HD:SBS57 H




Melbourne (Main Transmitter)

A:ABC2 HD:ABC12 H

A:SBS28 HD:SBS29 H




RosebudA:ABC56$ VD:ABC60 V

A:SBS68$ VD:SBS57 V

SevenA:HSV59 VD:HSV63 V

NineA:GTV62 VD:GTV51 V

TenA:ATV65 VD:ATV54 V

3 In broad terms, an urban centre is a population cluster of 1,000 or more people, while a locality is a population cluster of between 200 and 999 people. This geographical structure is defined by the 1996 Census edition of the Australian Standard Geographical Classification.

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Safety BeachA:ABC61 HD:ABC60 H

A:SBS58 HD:SBS57 H




SelbyA:ABC57 HD:ABC47 H

A:SBS69 HD:SBS50 H




South YarraA:ABC61 VD:ABC60 V

A:SBS58 VD:SBS57 V




UpweyA:ABC39 VD:ABC47 V

A:SBS51 VD:SBS50 V




Warburton (Vic.) A:ABC61 H

D:ABC60 H A:SBS58 HD:SBS57 H




Table 2 Self-help retransmission sites


Community-funded analog—digital not planned in DCP, no IPs, no same coverage requirement.

($ indicates retransmission service)Anglesea/Aireys Inlet A:ABC56$ H

D:ABC56$ H A:SBS68$ HD:SBS39$ H

SevenA:HSV59$ HD:HSV42$ H

NineA:GTV62$ HD:GTV31$ H

TenA:ATV65$ HD:ATV33$ H

Geelong4

A:ABC56$ VD:ABC64$ H

A:SBS68$ VD:SBS53$ H

SevenA:HSV59$ VD:HSV66$ H

NineA:GTV62$ VD:GTV67$ H

TenA:ATV65$ VD:ATV69$ H

GisborneA:ABC56$ H A:SBS68 H

SevenA:HSV59$ H

NineA:GTV62$ H

TenA:ATV65$ H

HealesvilleD:ABC35$ V D:SBS34$ V

SevenD:HSV36$ V

NineD:GTV37$ V

TenD:ATV38$ V

MonbulkD:ABC49$ V D:SBS53$ V

SevenD:HSV46$ V

NineD:GTV52$ V

TenD:ATV48$ V

4 Geelong analog self-help retransmission services are provided from the Geelong (Newtown) site. These services will be replaced by digital sevices with extended coverage after tower upgrade.

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Table 3 Gap filler sites


Broadcaster new services—digital not planned in DCP, no IPs, no same coverage requirement.

($ indicates retransmission service)Melbourne Inner Suburbs D:ABC60$ V D:SBS57$ V

SevenD:HSV63$ V

NineD:GTV51$ V

TenD:ATV54$ V

Ocean GroveD:ABC60$ H D:SBS57$ H

SevenD:HSV63$ H

NineD:GTV51$ H

TenD:ATV54$ H

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Coverage evaluationThe ACMA’s CEP methodology

Figure 1 Methodology for the ACMA’s CEP

Figure 1 outlines the multi-layered methodology for the ACMA’s CEP. This program assesses whether the same coverage objective has been met by relevant broadcasters in a particular switchover area.

The CEP also determines the boundaries of digital terrestrial coverage, identifies areas of marginal or inconsistent digital terrestrial coverage, and verifies the technical planning specifications and assumptions provided by broadcasters in their implementation plans. In addition, the program provides essential feedback on the accuracy of the ACMA’s initial desktop modelling.

Digital channel plansTo facilitate the introduction of digital television, the ACMA developed national and commercial DCPs in line with the Digital Terrestrial Television Broadcasting Planning Handbook and its obligations under the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 (BSA). DCPs determine which channels are to be allotted to each area, the assignment of channels to each broadcaster in that area and the technical characteristics of those channels.

DCPs are developed to give broadcasters the maximum envelope in which to plan their digital transmission coverage for an area to achieve the policy objective of the same coverage and potential reception quality as is available in analog mode. The National and Commercial DCPs for Victoria: Part 1—Melbourne were determined in Octobar 1999. Subsequent variation was made in December 2000.

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Implementation plansIn accordance with the national and commercial television conversion schemes prepared by the ACMA under Schedule 4 to the BSA, commercial and national television broadcasters are required to prepare IPs relating to the conversion of the transmission of their services from analog to digital mode. IPs are a commitment by individual broadcasters to provide a television service in digital mode from specified sites to cover defined areas by specified dates. The aim is to achieve the same coverage in standard definition television digital mode as that service provides in analog mode. This objective is to be achieved as soon as is practicable after the simulcast period begins.5

The ACMA has received and approved IPs for the planned commercial services listed in the DCPs for this switchover area. The minister has approved all IPs for the national services (ABC and SBS).

As previously outlined, broadcasters are considering the conversion of four analog self-help sites to digital as well as the implementation of two new digital gap filler services. These services are not planned in the DCPs and so there is no obligation for broadcasters to submit IPs to the ACMA or roll out services at any particular point in time.

Survey planning As part of its methodology for assessing same coverage and potential reception quality, the ACMA undertakes desktop coverage modelling of a switchover area. This takes into account terrain, complaints to the ACMA from viewers within the area and, where possible, technical specifications of transmission facilities as outlined in IPs provided by broadcasters.

At the time of writing, a total of 17 ministerial enquiries and 82 complaints have been initiated in the Melbourne switchover area. The issues concern both analog and digital reception. In addition, a total of 88 ‘Out of Area Direct to Home’ satellite applications were approved within the licence area.6

The findings of the desktop modelling process inform the ACMA field survey measurement program. The Melbourne switchover area survey planning guided the ACMA’s field staff on where field measurements within the switchover market should be conducted. This includes predicted or potential reception-deficient areas and other information on transmission facilities in the area.

Field survey measurement programThe field survey measurement program enables the ACMA to acquire technical and signal data associated with analog and digital TV coverage and reception quality within a switchover area. The program is part of the ACMA’s CEP (Figure 1) and seeks to verify the information provided by broadcasters in their IPs as well as the predictions made as part of the ACMA’s initial desktop modelling.

The ACMA’s CEP performed field survey measurements at 825 locations throughout the switchover area between May and September 2012 (see Appendix E). The

5 A period in which a broadcaster is required to simultaneously transmit television services in analog and standard definition TV digital mode.6 A satellite system enabling the delivery of national and commercial analog television services to households within a commercial terrestrial licence area that experience poor or no coverage of local free-to-air commercial television.

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measurement results have been analysed and compared against the most appropriate coverage prediction models for the area. Field survey results align closely with predicted coverage findings and provide the ACMA with a high level of confidence in its CEP methodologies.

Same coveragePolicy objectives under Parts 2 and 3 of Schedule 4 to the BSA state that national and commercial broadcasters must, as soon as practicable after the start of the simulcast period, provide the same level of coverage and potential reception quality in digital mode as is broadcast in analog mode.

Based on the results of the CEP for this switchover area, the ACMA concludes that the same level of coverage and potential reception quality is in general being achieved by licensed broadcasters in the switchover area (see Appendix F for breakdown of results).

When analysing same coverage, a number of considerations and constraints must be factored into a broader assessment. These include:

CEP measurement data existing broadcasting infrastructure specific propagation conditions different analog and digital broadcasting characteristics.

While signal-deficient analog television or marginal area reception results in poor quality picture and sound that becomes increasingly ‘snowy’ and/or ‘noisy’, it is still possible, depending on the viewer’s expectations, to watch the broadcast. In contrast, signal-deficient digital television or marginal area reception causes a digital broadcast to freeze, pixilate or totally drop out, rendering the broadcast unwatchable. Households located in marginal reception areas are likely to experience this issue.

Signal-deficient areasWhile the ACMA has determined that the vast majority of the localities have adequate to strong signal coverage, and licensed broadcasters in the switchover area are in general meeting their coverage obligations, it is likely that a number of households in marginal or signal-deficient areas will experience poor analog and digital television reception. The coverage evaluation in the Melbourne hinterland identified the following areas with potential widespread reception issues: Aireys Inlet-Fairhaven (1,145), Anglesea (2,292), Cape Paterson (672), Lancefield (1,186), Shoreham (846), Wandong- Heathcote Junction (1,489) and Waterford Park (202). The ACMA has also identified 13 locations in the Melbourne hinterland which are likely to experience patchy reception issues.

The CEP identified 20 localities in the Melbourne metropolitan area that may be susceptible to isolated signal-deficiency or -reception issues—primarily as a result of local terrain and/or urban and suburban environment and infrastructure. In addition, viewers in some locations in the Melbourne hinterland could potentially experience isolated or minor reception problems. The ACMA predicts that a comparatively smaller percentage of households may experience analog and digital reception difficulties in these locations compared to those listed above. Appendix F provides a breakdown of locality-specific results.

On 11 May 2010, the government announced that under an agreement reached with all television broadcasters across Australia, broadcasters will upgrade a substantial

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number of existing regional and metropolitan analog self-help retransmission facilities/services to operate in digital, while the government will fund the VAST satellite service. Broadcasters are also implementing a number of new digital gap filler sites/services to provide terrestrial television coverage to nominated areas. This would enable all television viewers in Australia to have access to the full range of free-to-air digital television services.

Five analog self-help retransmission sites currently operate in the Melbourne switchover area— Angelsea and Aireys Inlet, Geelong (Newtown), Gisborne, Healesville and Monbulk. Broadcasters are considering four of these sites—Angelsea and Aireys Inlet, Geelong, Healesville and Monbulk—for conversion from analog to digital. Broadcasters are also currently considering two digital gap filler sites to extend or improve digital channels for both commercial and national channels. These are located at Melbourne Inner Suburbs and Ocean Grove.

The gap filler and self-help retransmission sites are not planned in the DCPs and broadcasters are not legislatively obliged to submit IPs or roll out the services at any given point in time. Until a finalised list of self-help conversions and gap filler installations is officially advised, this information should be considered as indicative only. It is possible that areas served by analog self-help facilities that are not converted to digital will become signal-deficient after the analog switch-off.

Fortuitous reception issuesThe BSA mandates that broadcasting services be licensed and planned to serve specific geographic areas. Through CEP operational observations, in some circumstances it is possible, for the ACMA to determine that households are receiving, or attempting to receive, television broadcast services that are not planned to serve their area. This form of reception is considered fortuitous. It is possible that households receiving fortuitous broadcast signals may experience reception difficulties before and/or after analog switch-off as the reception of distant weak television signals outside the planned service area will be generally unreliable and potentially interfere with planned services. Fortuitous reception difficulties may also appear when analog switch-off occurs in adjacent switchover areas.

The ACMA did not identify any substantial issues related to fortuitous reception in this switchover area.

ConclusionThe ACMA is confident that the Melbourne switchover is progressing in accordance with the digital television switchover timetable and that broadcasters have met their obligations for IP submissions, same coverage and service rollout. No major issues are currently present or foreseen that would impede the switch-off of analog television broadcast services in December 2013. The ACMA will continue to liaise with relevant broadcasters and is confident that all services to this area will be successfully rolled out in accordance with planning guidelines and technical specifications before the end of the simulcast period.

In terms of television coverage from broadcaster-owned and -operated terrestrial transmission facilities, the ACMA has identified a number of areas that may experience reception issues. In consultation with broadcasters and industry representatives, the government is currently considering a number of options to provide alternative access to digital television.

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Broadcasters are currently considering four existing analog self-help retransmission facility/service in this switchover area for conversion to digital to extend or improve reception in signal-deficient areas. They are also considering the installation of two new digital gap filler sites in this switchover area to extend or improve digital television coverage. Those households situated in digital signal-deficient areas may be able to apply to receive VAST satellite service in line with applicable access and subsidy arrangements.

DBCDE’s Digital Switchover Taskforce (DST) is responsible for overseeing Australia’s transition to digital television. The ACMA provides advice and consults widely with DST, broadcasters, industry representatives and the public to assist in facilitating an effective switch from analog to digital television.

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Appendix AMelbourne switchover area

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Appendix BTransmission sites in the Melbourne switchover area

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Appendix CRemote licence areas adjacent to the Melbourne switchover area

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Appendix DSwitchover areas adjacent to and/or overlapping the Melbourne switchover area

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Appendix EMeasurement locations in the Melbourne switchover area

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Appendix FUrban centre/locality-specific results for the Melbourne switchover area

Table 4 Urban centre/locality assessments based on a combination of coverage prediction modelling, field survey measurements and engineering analysis within the Melbourne Hinterland switchover area.

Urban centre/locality

Pop. Assessment Comments

Urban centres/localities where no coverage and/or reception issues have been identifiedBeaconsfield Upper(7 measurement locations)

1,433 > Melbourne transmitter provides strong to very good coverage

> No issue has been identified

Beveridge(5 measurement locations)

342 > Melbourne transmitter provides strong coverage


Blind Bight(5 measurement locations)



Cannons Creek(3 measurement locations)



Corinella(3 measurement locations)

508 > Melbourne transmitter provides strong to very good coverage


Coronet Bay(3 measurement locations)



Cowes(7 measurement locations)



Cranbourne South(3 measurement locations)



Dalyston(4 measurement locations)



Diggers Rest(5 measurement locations)

1,734 > Melbourne transmitter provides strong coverage


Don Valley(2 measurement locations)



Gembrook(5 measurement locations)



Grantville(4 measurement locations)



Indented Head 591 > Melbourne transmitter > No issue has been identified

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(4 measurement locations)

provides strong coverage

Koo-Wee-Rup (4 measurement locations)



Lang Lang(5 measurement locations)

921 > Melbourne transmitter provides strong to good coverage


Lara(25 measurement locations)

10,521 > Melbourne transmitter provides strong to good coverage


Laurimar(6 measurement locations)



Little River(5 measurement locations)



Melton(26 measurement locations)



Mernda(4 measurement locations)



Millgrove(4 measurement locations)



Nar-Nar-Goon(4 measurement locations)



Newhaven(5 measurement locations)



Nyora(4 measurement locations)

541 > Melbourne transmitter provides strong to good coverage


Officer(6 measurement locations)



Panton Hill(3 measurement locations)



Pearcedale(4 measurement locations)

2,234 > Melbourne transmitter provides strong coverage.


Pioneer Bay(3 measurement locations)



Rockbank (4 measurement locations)



Romsey (4 measurement locations)



Sunset Strip(4 measurement locations)



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Tooradin(9 measurement locations)



Warneet(4 measurement locations)



Werribee South(2 measurement locations)



Wesburn(5 measurement locations)



Wimbledon Heights(2 measurement locations)



Woori Yallock(3 measurement locations)



Yarra Glen(5 measurement locations)



Urban centres/localities where minor service rollout, coverage and/or reception issues have been identifiedBunyip(6 measurement locations)

1,446 > Melbourne transmitter provides strong to adequate coverage

> While coverage from the Melbourne transmitter is at least adequate, viewers are more susceptible to reception difficulties. A rural antenna configuration (10 m antenna height) may be required for reliable digital reception in some areas.

Emerald(7 measurement locations)



Flinders(5 measurement locations)

572 > Melbourne transmitter provides good to adequate coverage


Garfield(4 measurement locations)

876 > Melbourne transmitter provides very good to adequate coverage

> While coverage from the Melbourne transmitter is at least adequate, viewers are more susceptible to reception difficulties. A rural antenna configuration (10 m antenna

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height) may be required for reliable digital reception in some areas.

Healesville(9 measurement locations)



> The Healesville analog retransmission site does not provide digital services. This site is on the broadcasters’ candidate list for conversion.

Launching Place(5 measurement locations)



Longwarry(5 measurement locations)

625 > Melbourne transmitter provides strong to adequate coverage


Macedon(3 measurement locations)

1,442 > Melbourne transmitter provides very good to adequate coverage


Maryknoll(4 measurement locations)

470 > Melbourne transmitter provides good to adequate coverage.


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Moriac(6 measurement locations)

595 > Melbourne transmitter provides good to adequate coverage


Myrniong(5 measurement locations)



Portarlington(4 measurement locations)



Queenscliff (8 measurement locations)



Rhyll (5 measurement locations)



Riddells Creek (5 measurement locations)



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St Leonards(13 measurement locations)



Sunbury(39 measurement locations)



Torquay(20 measurement locations)



Tynong(5 measurement locations)



Wallan(13 measurement locations)



Warburton(12 measurement locations)

1,950 > Melbourne transmitter provides strong to poor coverage

> Warburton (Vic.) transmitter provides very good to adequate coverage

> While the combined coverage from the Melbourne transmitter and the Warburton (Vic.) transmitter is at least adequate, viewers are more susceptible to reception difficulties. A rural antenna configuration (10 m antenna height) may be required for reliable digital reception in some areas.

Warburton East(5 measurement

719 > Melbourne transmitter provides adequate to poor

> While the combined coverage from the Melbourne transmitter

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locations) coverage.> Warburton (Vic.) transmitter

provides adequate to no coverage.

and the Warburton (Vic.) transmitter is at least adequate, viewers are more susceptible to reception difficulties. A rural antenna configuration (10 m antenna height) may be required for reliable digital reception in some areas.

Whittlesea(15 measurement locations)



Yarra Junction(11 measurement locations)


> Warburton (Vic.) transmitter provides very good to adequate coverage

> While coverage from the Melbourne transmitter and the Warburton (Vic.) transmitter is at least adequate, viewers are more susceptible to reception difficulties. A rural antenna configuration (10 m antenna height) may be required for reliable digital reception in some areas.

Urban centres/localities where coverage/reception issues have been identified

Isolated issue(s) (where approximately <5% of populated areas show coverage/reception issues)Bacchus Marsh(19 measurement locations)

13,217 > Melbourne transmitter provides strong to poor coverage.

> While coverage from the Melbourne transmitter is generally good, isolated poor coverage caused by local terrain obstructions has been identified.

Cape Schanck(5 measurement locations)

332 > Melbourne transmitter provides adequate to poor coverage

> VHF analog and digital services provide adequate coverage. However, isolated poor coverage of UHF analog and digital services have been identified.

Drysdale-Clifton Springs(15 measurement locations)

10,210 > Melbourne transmitter provides good to poor coverage.


Geelong(75 measurement locations)



> The Geelong analog retransmission site does not provide digital services. This site is on the broadcasters’ candidate list for conversion and tower upgrade.

Gisborne(10 measurement locations)

6,401 > Melbourne transmitter provides strong to no coverage.

> While coverage from the Melbourne transmitter is generally good, isolated areas of no

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coverage caused by local terrain obstructions have been identified.

> The Gisborne analog retransmission site does not provide digital services. This site is not on the broadcasters’ candidate list for conversion.

Kilmore (17 measurement locations)



Mount Macedon(7 measurement locations)



Pakenham(19 measurement locations)



Poowong(5 measurement locations)

286 > Melbourne transmitter provides strong to poor coverage.


Red Hill South (5 measurement locations)

476 > Melbourne transmitter provides strong to poor coverage

> While coverage from the Melbourne transmitter is generally good, isolated poor coverage caused by local forest obstructions has been identified.

San Remo(6 measurement locations)



Patchy issue(s) (where between approximately 5% and 25% of populated areas show coverage/ reception issues)Bulla(5 measurement locations)


> While coverage from the Melbourne transmitter is generally good, patchy poor coverage caused by local terrain obstructions has been identified.

Cockatoo(5 measurement locations)



Drouin(14 measurement locations)



Kilcunda (4 measurement locations)



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Korumburra (19 measurement locations)

3,146 > Melbourne transmitter provides strong to no coverage

> While the Melbourne transmitter provides good coverage to some areas, patchy poor or no coverage caused by local terrain obstructions has been identified.

Leopold(20 measurement locations)



Menzies Creek(4 measurement locations)

501 > Melbourne transmitter provides very good to poor coverage

> While the Melbourne transmitter provides good coverage to some areas, patchy poor coverage caused by local terrain and forest obstructions has been identified.

Ocean Grove-Barwon Heads(29 measurement locations)



St Andrews(5 measurement locations)


> While the Melbourne transmitter provides good coverage to some areas, patchy poor coverage caused by local terrain and forest obstructions has been identified.

Seville East(4 measurement locations)


> While coverage from the Melbourne transmitter is generally good, patchy poor coverage caused by local terrain and forest obstructions has been identified.

Smiths Beach(4 measurement locations)

217 > Melbourne transmitter provides good to poor coverage.

> While coverage from the Melbourne transmitter is generally good, patchy reception difficulties with SBS digital services have been identified. This issue is likely caused by potentially interfering SBS analog television signal from NE Tasmania. After analog television is switched off, this issue will most likely be resolved.

Surf Beach-Sunderland Bay(4 measurement locations)

578 > Melbourne transmitter provides good to poor coverage.

> While coverage from the Melbourne transmitter is generally good, patchy reception difficulties with SBS digital services have been identified. This issue is likely caused by potentially interfering SBS analog television signal form NE Tasmania. After analog television is switched off, this issue will most likely be resolved.

Wonthaggi(11 measurement locations)

6,533 > Melbourne transmitter provides adequate to poor coverage.

> While coverage from the Melbourne transmitter is generally good, patchy areas of poor coverage exists due to the town being located at the coverage fringe.

Widespread issue(s) (where between > 25% of populated areas show coverage/reception/limited services issues)

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Aireys Inlet-Fairhaven(9 measurement locations)

1,145 > Melbourne transmitter provides adequate to no coverage

> While the Melbourne transmitter provides good coverage to some areas, widespread poor or no coverage exists due to the town being located at the coverage fringe.

> The Anglesea/Aireys Inlet analog retransmission site does not provide digital services. This site is on the broadcasters’ candidate list for conversion.

Anglesea(7 measurement locations)

2,292 > Melbourne transmitter provides good to no coverage

> While the Melbourne transmitter provides good coverage to some areas, widespread poor to no coverage exists due to the town being located at the coverage fringe.

> The Anglesea/Aireys Inlet analog retransmission transmitter does not provide digital services. This site is on the broadcasters’ candidate list for conversion.

Cape Paterson(5 measurement locations)


> While the Melbourne transmitter provides good coverage to some areas, widespread poor coverage caused by local terrain obstructions has been identified.

Lancefield(6 measurement locations)


> While the Melbourne transmitter provides good coverage to some areas, widespread areas of poor or no coverage exists due to the town being located at the coverage fringe.

Shoreham(7 measurement locations)

846 > Melbourne transmitter provides adequate to no coverage

> While the Melbourne transmitter provides good coverage to some areas, widespread poor or no coverage caused by local terrain obstructions has been identified.

Wandong-Heathcote Junction(10 measurement locations)



Waterford Park(2 measurement locations)

202 > Melbourne transmitter provides adequate to no coverage


Table 5 Urban centre/locality assessments based on a combination of the coverage prediction modelling, field survey measurements and engineering analysis within the Melbourne metropolitan area.

Urban centre/locality

Assessment Comments

30 | acma

Urban centres/localities where no coverage and/or reception issues have been identified

All urban localities within the Melbourne metropolitan other than those listed below have been assessed as having no coverage and/or reception issues.

Urban centres/localities where minor service rollout, coverage and/or reception issues have been identifiedBalnarring (1 measurement location)

>Melbourne transmitter provides adequate coverage.

>While coverage from the Melbourne transmitter is at least adequate, viewers are more susceptible to reception difficulties. A rural antenna configuration (10 m antenna height) may be required for reliable digital reception in some areas.

Berwick (6 measurement locations)

>Melbourne transmitter provides very good to poor coverage.

>While the Melbourne transmitter provides adequate coverage to some areas, poor coverage caused by local terrain obstructions has been identified.

Brunswick West (2 measurement location)

>Melbourne transmitter provides strong to adequate coverage.


Diamond Creek (1 measurement location)



Eltham(1 measurement location)



Ferntree Gully (3 measurement locations)

>Ferntree Gully transmitter provides very good to no coverage.

>Melbourne transmitter provides poor coverage.

>While the combined coverage from the Ferntree Gully transmitter and the Melbourne transmitter provides adequate coverage to some areas, poor coverage caused by local terrain obstructions has been identified.

Flemington(1 measurement location)



Hurstbridge (1 measurement location)


>While the Melbourne transmitter provides adequate coverage to some areas, poor coverage for UHF SBS service caused by local terrain obstructions has been identified.

Keilor (1 measurement location)



Main Ridge (1 measurement location)



McCrae (1 measurement location)


>While coverage from the Melbourne transmitter is at least adequate, viewers are more susceptible to reception difficulties. A rural antenna configuration (10 m antenna height) may be required for reliable digital reception in

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some areas.Monbulk(1 measurement location)

>Melbourne transmitter provides good to adequate coverage.


>The Monbulk analog retransmission transmitter does not provide digital services. This site is on the broadcasters’ candidate list for conversion

Mornington (5 measurement locations)

>Melbourne transmitter provides very good to adequate coverage.

>Safety Beach transmitter provides adequate to no coverage.


Mt Eliza (7 measurement locations)



Mt Martha (2 measurement locations)


>Safety Beach transmitter provides adequate to no coverage.


Pascoe Vale (2 measurement locations)

>Melbourne transmitter provides very good to adequate coverage.


Rosebud (4 measurement locations)

>Melbourne transmitter provides strong to no coverage.

>Rosebud transmitter provides adequate to no coverage.

>While the combined coverage from the Melbourne transmitter and the Rosebud transmitter is at least adequate, viewers are more susceptible to reception difficulties. A rural antenna configuration (10 m antenna height) may be required for reliable digital reception in some areas.

Safety Beach (1 measurement location)

>Safety Beach transmitter provides adequate coverage.

>While coverage from the Safety Beach transmitter is at least adequate, viewers are more susceptible to reception difficulties. A rural antenna configuration (10 m antenna height) may be required for reliable digital reception in some areas.

The Patch (2 measurement locations)

>Melbourne transmitter provides adequate to poor coverage.

>Upwey transmitter provides poor to no coverage.

>While the combined coverage from the Melbourne transmitter and the Warburton (Vic.) transmitter is at least adequate, viewers are more susceptible to reception difficulties. A rural antenna configuration (10 m antenna height) may be required for reliable digital reception in some areas.

>While the Melbourne transmitter provides adequate coverage to some areas, poor coverage for UHF SBS service caused by local terrain obstructions has been

32 | acma

identified.Upwey (1 measurement location)


>Upwey transmitter provides poor coverage.

>While the combined coverage from the Melbourne transmitter and the Upwey transmitter is at least adequate, viewers are more susceptible to reception difficulties. A rural antenna configuration (10 m antenna height) may be required for reliable digital reception in some areas.

>While the Melbourne transmitter provides adequate coverage to some areas, poor coverage for UHF SBS service caused by local terrain obstructions has been identified.

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