The Australian Communications and Media Authority
– which regulates electronic media and telecommunications in the country – is
seeking public comment on extending the digital datacasting trial currently
being conducted in Sydney by Broadcast Australia. This trial, known as DIGITAL
FORTY FOUR, is using one of the two unassigned digital television
channels that form part of the two national digital television licences due to
be allocated by ACMA in the second half of 2007.
ACMA is considering whether to extend the trial
until these channels are allocated for their designated long-term use. In
informing its decision, ACMA is seeking to ensure that the price-based
allocation process for the channels is fair, with no one bidder favoured over
another.
In the interim, ACMA has decided to extend the
DIGITAL FORTY FOUR trial until 31 March 2007.
DIGITAL FORTY FOUR was officially launched
in 2003 and incorporates:
| LCN4 | Video Programme Guide (VPG) for all five metropolitan free to air television broadcasters and DIGITAL FORTY FOUR |
| LCN41 | ABC News, Sport and Weather |
| LCN44 | DIGITAL FORTY FOUR home page |
| LCN45 | Channel NSW |
| LCN46 | Australian Christian Channel |
| LCN47 | Macquarie Digital |
| LCN49 | Expo |
| LCNs 401-407 | Federal Parliament and 7 associated audio channels |
The trial information provided by Broadcast
Australia is available for public access from the
ACMA website
Comments should be provided by close of
business 14th February 2007 to:
The Manager
Allocations Administration Section
Australian Communications and Media Authority
PO Box 78
Belconnen ACT 2617or by email to the attention of Greg Cupitt at
aas@acma.gov.au