On the air: Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Rita Lau (right) invites interested parties to submit applications for providing digital audio broadcasting services.

Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Rita Lau is inviting parties interested in providing digital audio broadcasting services to submit applications to the Broadcasting Authority by April 30.

At a press briefing today Mrs Lau said in view of the extensive application of digital technology and the recent successful launch of digital terrestrial television services, the Government will now implement digital audio broadcasting.

Channel capacity

Following the market-driven principle, the Government will first release one 1.5 MHz multiplex in Band III (219.584 - 221.120 MHz) to enable the launch of the services. The multiplex is capable of carrying seven CD-quality audio channels with citywide coverage based on the prevailing Eureka 147 DAB standard. If the more advanced DAB+ standard is adopted, up to 13 CD-quality audio channels can be provided through one Band III multiplex.

In the event of there being more than one successful operator, the transmission facilities can be shared. Depending on the number of approved services and channels, the installation cost for the transmission equipment will be shared on a pro-rata basis.

Transmission facilities can be constructed on Hong Kong's existing seven FM hilltop transmission sites. Radio Television Hong Kong will assume the role of the site manager for the existing hilltop sites and be responsible for co-ordinating the use of the DAB spectrum and equipment as it does with the current AM/FM services.

Programming requirements

The DAB services will not be subject to programming regulations, like a minimum requirement for programmes on specific topics such as arts and culture, or for specific target audiences such as youths or the elderly. However, the operator must broadcast government announcements in the public interest and the Broadcasting Authority publicity materials.

Applicants can be existing sound broadcasting licensees or new licence applicants. Click here for the guidance notes and licence application details. The Broadcasting Authority will submit recommendations on the applications to the Chief Executive in Council for consideration as to whether licenses should be granted.

"We expect DAB services will be launched by late this year or early next year at the earliest," Mrs Lau said, adding RTHK may also submit proposals to provide DAB services.

Meanwhile, Mrs Lau announced one UHF Band multiplex will be released for the introduction of mobile television services.

To facilitate the mobile TV development, the transmission capacity of the UHF Band multiplex allowed for providing other value-added communications services will be adjusted from 50% to a maximum of 25%.

The Office of the Telecommunications Authority said the auction of the spectrum for mobile TV will be held in the second quarter.