DTT - temporary network licensing
As a result of ICP-ANACOM's ongoing oversight of the DTT network and monitoring of all situations which are reported, it has been possible to clarify some outstanding issues which, for one reason or another, still persist and to identify the need for PT Comunicações, S.A. (PTC), as network operator, to make some one-off technical adjustments.
It is natural that after the massive migration of the population to DTT, the network will need to undergo optimisation for a few months until complete stabilization is achieved.
However, between 10 and 16 May some problems of self-interference were detected which, although affecting just a small part of the population already adapted to receive the television signal by terrestrial means, prevented the display of the four free-to-air channels for durations deemed excessive.
Immediately, ICP-ANACOM requested that the network operator submit a technical solution to resolve the problem in the shortest possible time, so that no one would be left deprived of access to the free, unrestricted access television service.
A solution was proposed entailing the temporary use of some additional radio channels, made available in the meantime following the switch-off of analogue television broadcasting, while PTC undertakes technical optimization of the DTT network. After verification of the technical validity of this proposed solution in light of the objectives in question, ICP-ANACOM decided to accept its implementation in strict defence of the public interest associated with ensuring that 100% of the population retain access to the free-to-air television service.
While the impact of the problem is now less intense, it was considered urgent to ensure its resolution and to prevent any reoccurrence. Therefore, on 18 May 2012, ICP-ANACOM determined the following:
1. To allocate to PTC a temporary network license, for a period of 180 days, consisting of three stations, which is to be implemented no later than 25 May and on the following terms:
a) Transmitter at Monte da Virgem: channel 42 (638-646 MHz);
b) Transmitter at Lousã: channel 46 (670-678 MHz);
c) Transmitter at Montejunto: channel 49 (694-702 MHz).
2. To determine that the maximum effective radiated power (ERP) of each station, as referred to in the preceding paragraph, shall be 10 kW.
3. To order PTC to present the following information for each station to ICP-ANACOM, within 15 days:
a) geographic coordinates (WGS84);
b) Height of the antenna;
c) Diagram of antenna's radiation;
d) Indication of the PAR to be used.
4. To order PTC to optimize the technical characteristics of the network supported on channel 56, with a view to an effective decrease of self-interference zones, on a priority basis in areas not covered by the network to which temporary licensing is allocated under the present decision.
5. To order PTC, for the purposes of the paragraph 4, to send a report to ICP-ANACOM, on a monthly basis, detailing the alterations made in the technical characteristics of the network, with a view to reducing potential zones of self interference, also indicating areas where an increase in the Signal/Noise ratio (S/N) is guaranteed compared to the previous situation.
6. To order PTC to put in place, no later than the date of the effective deployment by PTC of the network referred to in paragraph 1, appropriate procedures to eliminate the costs incurred by users as a result of having to make adjustments to the network now licensed, which procedures shall be reported to ICP-ANACOM.
7. To order PTC to put in place, no later than the date of the effective deployment by PTC of the network referred to in paragraph 1, a plan for communication to affected DTT users, which is suitable to disclose such information as is necessary due to the operation of the network now licensed, which plan shall be reported to ICP-ANACOM.
