New Zealand - Regulation and Spectrum - History
15.11.2013
The introduction of digital radio services is dependent on spectrum availability, government policy and industry
requirements. Spectrum in VHF Band III will become unused when analogue television services are switched off in late 2013 and Government will address potential uses of this spectrum some time thereafter. Analogue FM spectrum is mainly utilised in major cities, but the extent of further demand for broadcasting services and industry views on technology and timing of any widespread digital radio services are unclear.
08.03.2013
Timing of a commercial network is dependent on spectrum availability, changes to government policy and broadcast sector agreement. VHF Band III spectrum becomes available from the end of 2013 as analogue TV services are switched off. The government has no current policy on assigning this spectrum to use by DAB services, however no other use for this spectrum has been identified. Analogue FM spectrum is congested in major cities, but there is no agreement between the broadcast sector parties as to how or when digital services should be introduced.