(RF analysis) FM 95.7MHz Alor Setar Tower

Kool FM was the last radio station to launch its transmitter in Alor Setar Tower on 107.3MHz in 14th October 2016. 

Back to March 2016, I published the empty FM frequencies list in Peninsular Malaysia blog post. For Alor Setar Tower, only FM 91.5MHz is the empty frequency (broadcasters can use 0.5kW or 1kW power), but it is interesting to study if 95.7MHz is used in the tower to cover Alor Setar, Kedah only.

In fact, FM 95.7MHz is empty signal or simply weak signal of Mutiara FM from Bukit Penara in Alor Setar, Kedah. Moreover, Mutiara FM 95.7MHz is not really receivable there because Bukit Penara signal is fully blocked by Mount Jerai. So, I classify it as vacant frequency, however FM 95.7MHz shall be used as very low power transmission in Alor Setar Tower, as low as 50W.

==Proposed transmission parameter of FM 95.7MHz in Alor Setar, Kedah==

* Frequency: FM 95.7MHz

* Power: 50W (or 0.05kW)

* Transmitter site: Alor Setar Tower, Kedah

* Antenna system: 2-bay array dipole antenna

* Antenna gain: 2.0dBd x2 = 4.0dBd

* ERP: 125W

* Coverage: Alor Setar and surrounding areas

==RF analysis of FM 95.7MHz Alor Setar Tower==

95.7MHz: Alor Setar Tower

96.1MHz: 988 FM Gunung Jerai

<400kHz, OK>

95.5MHz: Radio Thailand Satun

95.7MHz: Alor Setar Tower

<200kHz, OK>

95.7MHz: Alor Setar Tower

95.7MHz: Mutiara FM Bukit Penara

<0kHz, OK for low power transmission in Alor Setar>

 

For radio stations, I doubt which I can propose this transmission parameter FM 95.7MHz in Alor Setar, Kedah to because less broadcasters are interesting to invest Alor Setar market.

1. Astro GoXUAN?

* A Chinese Gen Z targeted radio stations, seems like entering YouTuber and TikToker markets, plays K-POP music mostly, but Alor Setar is not a potential market for this radio station, somewhat GoXUAN license condition is not allowed to have further frequencies as Astro acquired Red FM and Capital FM from Star Radio Group in order to purchase frequencies only. Until today, there is no any frequency expansion for Zayan and GoXUAN since 2nd October 2017, unless their licenses are modified.

2. CityPlus FM?

* A Chinese business radio station to target Chinese PMEBs. Alor Setar is not the radio station's market.

3. BFM?

* An English business radio station, 89.9MHz is the frequency in Klang Valley from Gunung Ulu Kali. Alor Setar is not its potential market, but BFM wants to expand in Penang since 2009, unfortunately the radio station is not getting approval from MCMC yet.

4. Rakita (formerly known as IM4U FM)?

* A Klang Valley based youth radio station in Malay language, broadcasts on FM 107.9MHz from Bukit Sungai Besi for Klang Valley. Don't think it will be expanded outside Klang Valley due to license condition and market value. Thus, Alor Setar has no commercial value for Rakita.

5. Bernama Radio 

* A Malay language news radio station. Alor Setar seems having market for Bernama Radio, but this radio station can be assigned on 91.5MHz with 500W transmitter power to target more areas in Kedah.

 

6. Best FM

* Johor based Malay language radio station, also having Klang Valley frequency on FM 104.1MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali. If Best FM wants to expand to Alor Setar, FM 95.7MHz at 50W power can be proposed.