Astro acquired Capital FM changed Penang frequency 105.6MHz?

In the past, FM 107.6MHz was used by Red FM and Capital FM in Bukit Penara for Penang. Both stations were ceased and acquired by Astro on 30 December 2016. They began starting trial transmission from 30 December 2016.

On 27th February 2017, one of my friend in Taiping cannot receive the test transmission which playing rock music on FM 107.6MHz anymore, but he can receive the station on FM 105.6MHz.

Capital FM 107.6MHz left empty today.

I guess that Astro may abandon using FM 107.6MHz because they want to expand greater Northern region of Peninsular Malaysia by locating the station from Gunung Jerai. I was surprised of this breaking news. I was thinking how comes Astro can broadcast its test transmission in Penang, Kedah on FM 105.6MHz because Kedah FM is using FM 105.7MHz in Gunung Raya too. Imagine if 105.6MHz is still transmitted from Bkt Penara, I think it will have interference with Kedah FM 105.7MHz in Penang.

Actually Gunung Jerai is more strategic than Bukit Penara, that may be the reason why Astro stopped using Capital FM 107.6MHz Bukit Penara.

The changing of the frequency by Astro already involved RTM Kedah FM Gunung Raya 105.7MHz. I trust that Kedah FM also will change its Gunung Raya frequency.

==RF analysis of 105.6MHz==

105.6MHz: Astro test transmission Gunung Jerai
105.9MHz: Traxx FM Bukit Dedap/UUM Sintok
(300kHz, OK)

105.3MHz: Traxx FM Bukit Larut
105.6MHz: Astro test transmission Gunung Jerai
(300kHz, OK)

In my opinion, I think the spectrum of Kedah FM Langkawi frequency spacing is too large. It is better if Kedah FM Langkawi frequency to locate 100kHz from Bukit Larut as it targets Langkawi only.

Empty frequencies are here for Kedah FM Gunung Raya: 91.4MHz, 105.3MHz, 106.2MHz

105.3MHz is not suitable because 50kHz with Thailand Satun radio, but 91.4MHz is slightly ok.

106.2MHz is the best anyway.

If Kedah FM Gunung Raya changed to 106.0MHz or 106.1MHz, interference with Thailand radio stations.

106.0MHz is occupied in Songkhla by a radio station where coverage is wide as Thailand public stations like NBT and MCOT.

106.2MHz is better than 106.0MHz and 106.1MHz. Here are the RF analysis:

106.0MHz: Songkhla
106.2MHz: Kedah FM Gunung Raya
(200kHz, OK)

106.2MHz: Kedah FM Gunung Raya
106.5MHz: Melody FM Gunung Jerai
(300kHz, OK)

106.1MHz: RTM Ai FM Bukit Larut
106.2MHz: RTM Kedah FM Gunung Raya
(100kHz, OK)

106.2MHz: Kedah FM Gunung Raya
106.25MHz: MCOT Trang
(50kHz, OK)

Anyway, I still need verification from Astro Radio Sdn Bhd for this matter.

In past few years, 105.7MHz was used to be made few proposal for different radio stations by myself, mainly Taiping frequency.

On May 2014 until August 2015, I proposed 105.7MHz Bukit Larut firstly to IKIM FM, then One FM since September 2015 until November 2015. When Media Prima bought Copyright Laureate Sdn Bhd stations and rebranded them to Kool FM on March 2016, I proposed 105.7MHz Bukit Larut to Kool FM. I also submitted the proposal of 105.7MHz Bukit Larut to MCMC, it stated that it is still a pass.

At the end, 105.7MHz is not used by any stations in Bukit Larut, but 105.6MHz is used by Astro today. Unbelievable! Surprised! Shocked!

City Plus FM coverage

City Plus FM is Malaysia's first Chinese business oriented station, also known as Chinese version of BFM 89.9. It is the sister radio station of Kupi-Kupi FM which broadcasts in Sabah.

This radio station currently starts its trial transmission in Kuching on 92.5MHz and Negeri Sembilan on 106.0MHz.

On 28 December 2016, City Plus FM started its trial transmission in South Klang Valley and Negeri Sembilan on FM 106.0MHz in Gunung Telapak Burok. In addition, FM 106.0MHz was formerly used by Red FM until June 2009.

Here is the coverage of City Plus FM:

1. FM 106.0MHz Gunung Telapak Burok

- Negeri Sembilan: Seremban, Senawang, Rantau, Mambau, Bukit Pelanduk, Nilai, Kuala Pilah, Jelebu, Titi, Bahau, Gemas, Gemencheh, Batu Kikir, Simpang Durian, Simpang Pertang, Port Dickson, Johol, Rembau, Pedas, Linggi, Teluk Kemang, Labu, Mantin, Lenggeng, Pantai, Bandar Seri Jempol, Ayer Hitam, Rompin, Felda Serting, Seri Menanti, Tanjung Ipoh, Dangi, FELDA Jelai, FELDA Kepis, FELDA Palong (1-16), Pasir Besar, Pasir Panjang, Si Rusa

- Melaka: Masjid Tanah, Alor Gajah, Melaka City, Lubuk Cina, Kuala Sungai Baru

- Pahang: Temerloh, Teriang, Bandar Bera, Chenor, Maran, Kuala Krau, Lanchang, Mentakab, Karak, Genting Sempah, Keratong, Muadzam Shah, Jengka, Jerantut (partially)

- Johor: Segamat, Batu Anam, Jementah

- Kuala Lumpur: Paritially

- Selangor: Ampang, Sepang, Kajang, Serdang/Seri Kembangan, Cheras, Sungai Buloh, Petaling Jaya, Shah Alam, Kuala Langat, Klang, Dengkil, Sungai Pelek, Banting, Tanjong Sepat, Puchong, Hulu Langat, Semenyih, Teluk Panglima Garang, Jenjarom, Sekinchan, Bukit Rotan, Jeram, Kapar, Meru, Rawang, Subang Jaya, USJ, Kuala Selangor and Tanjong Karang

Tea FM美里和林夢頻率建議

Tea FM是東馬波羅地帶第一家中英文私營電台, 目前在古晉廣播102.7, 亞庇則102.8和詩巫100.7.

目前汶萊除了還可以收聽得到愛FM和Red FM之外, 汶萊目前沒有任何中文私營電台.

為了吸引汶萊華裔聽眾, Tea FM可以在砂拉越美里和林夢設有頻道.

如果Tea FM只是在美里設有頻道是不夠的, 汶萊只有Kuala Belait和Seria可以收聽, 其餘地區則收不到.

如果Tea FM在林夢Bukit Mas設有頻率, 汶萊首都Bandar Seri Begawan可以收到清晰的Tea FM, 當地華裔聽眾又多了一個選擇收聽此電台.

另外如果Tea FM在Bukit Mas的功率是10kW的話, 我認為納閩Labuan部分地區可以收到.

以下都是我對Tea FM美里頻道和林夢頻道做出的建議


==Miri==
頻率: 107.5MHz
功率: 2kW
地點: Bukit Lambir
覆蓋地區: 砂拉越美里, 汶萊Kuala Belait Seria

==Limbang==
頻率: 107.3MHz
功率: 10kW
地點: Bukit Mas
覆蓋: 砂拉越林夢, 汶萊Bandar Seri Begawan和大部分地區, 與納閩部分地區

 

Tea FM在林夢和美里設有頻道後, 可以與汶萊電台產生競爭.

Tea FM詩巫頻道FM 100.7MHz誕生

2016年12月25日,東馬中英文電台Tea FM在詩巫設有頻道, 頻率為FM 100.7MHz.

其實Tea FM是東馬第一家私營電台在詩巫設有頻道, 結束了愛FM, Sibu FM和Red FM的壟斷. 其他中文電台My FM和Melody FM 都還沒有詩巫頻道, 或許市場價值關係.

談到發射地點, 我認為Tea FM 100.7MHz是從Bukit Lima發射, 而不是Bukit Singgalang發射.

Bukit Singgalang的主要覆蓋地區是Setapong, 詩巫方面訊號則不清楚.

聽說一些當地聽眾可以在Sarikei收到Tea FM 100.7MHz, 但是線路不清楚. Sarikei是絕對收不到Bukit Singgalang的訊號.

從Bukit Lima發射的Tea FM 詩巫頻道100.7MHz可以在詩巫可以收聽之外, Setapong和Sarikei部分地區還是可以聽到, 但是線路弱.

發射功率方面, 我認為Tea FM是用2kW. RTM Bukit Lima電台都是0.1kW, 0.25kW... 跟RTM Bukit Lima電台相比, Tea FM詩巫頻道覆蓋範圍比較大.

 

List of Sabah and Sarawak radio stations which can be received in Brunei

Here are the list of Sarawak radio stations which can be received in Brunei.

==Bandar Seri Begawan, Serasa, Muara==

- FM 88.7MHz: Cats FM
- FM 97.1MHz: Radio Klasik
- FM 98.1MHz: Nasional FM
- FM 101.5MHz: Sarawak FM
- FM 102.3MHz: Traxx FM
- FM 103.3MHz: Ai FM
- FM 104.1MHz: RTM Red FM
- FM 104.9MHz: Limbang FM

* From Bukit Mas

 

- FM 97.9MHz: Sabah FM (Bukit Tampalagus)

- FM 102.9MHz: Sabah VFM (Bukit Tampalagus)


==Kuala Belait, Seria==
- FM 96.6MHz: SINAR FM 

- FM 88.1MHz: Sarawak FM
- FM 88.9MHz: Traxx FM
- FM 89.9MHz: Ai FM
- FM 91.9MHz: Radio Klasik
- FM 92.3MHz: Nasional FM
- FM 90.7MHz: RTM Red FM
- FM 93.3MHz: Cats FM
- FM 95.7MHz: Miri FM

- FM 101.3MHz: Era 
- FM 102.4MHz: Melody FM
- FM 103.2MHz: MY FM
- FM 104.0MHz: IKIM FM (from Tg Lobang)
- FM 105.8MHz: hitz FM

**From Bukit Lambir

one FM vs. Kool FM芙蓉頻道

Kool FM是馬來西亞首要媒體旗下一家鎖定25-40歲聽眾的馬來語電台,也是首要媒體中文電台one FM的姐妹台.

目前Kool FM在巴生谷, 登嘉樓, 檳城, 吉打, 吉蘭丹廣播. 去年2016年7月, Kool FM則在瓜拉登嘉樓廣播, 頻率為FM 93.6MHz (Bukit Besar). 2016年10月, 則在吉蘭丹哥打巴魯和吉打亞羅士打廣播, 頻率分為FM 88.6MHz (Peringat)和FM 107.3MHz (亞羅士打塔).

今年2017年, 本人認為Kool FM會擴大廣播範圍至霹靂 (怡保和太平), 關丹, 芙蓉, 馬六甲, 柔佛, 東馬.

談到芙蓉頻道, 之前我曾經提及Gunung Telapak Burok剩下的空頻率是102.1MHz和106.0MHz.

我曾經建議102.1MHz給One FM, 106.0MHz則給Kool FM, 但是來到2016年10月28日, 出乎意料的是有家中文財經電台, 是CityPlus FM在森美蘭Gunung Telapak Burok進行試播, 並覆蓋森美蘭 (除了淡邊), 馬六甲部分地區, 柔佛部分地區, 彭亨部分地區, 巴生谷南部, 頻率為FM 106.0MHz.

現在CityPlus FM已經使用106.0MHz

剩下的森美蘭電台頻道可以被使用的是FM 102.1MHz, 但是看市場而定.

==Kool FM vs. One FM==

芙蓉頻道方面, 因為森美蘭州的馬來人比華人多, 馬來電台在森美蘭的市場價值肯定比中文電台高. 我本身覺得102.1MHz給Kool FM在Gunung Telapak Burok使用會比較適合, 因為馬來市場在森美蘭是很好的.

one FM森美蘭地區只是鎖定芙蓉地區, 其他地區對他們而言不是很重要.

CityPlus FM使用了106.0MHz之後, 我相信one FM是無法在Gunung Telapak Burok發射芙蓉頻道的, one FM多數永遠只是在芙蓉Bukit Gun發射88.3MHz.

one FM在森美蘭芙蓉以外的其他地區如庇勞, 馬口, 林茂, 波德申, 葫蘆頂, 瓜拉格拉旺都是需要通過88.1MHz收聽. one FM Gunung Ulu Kali和Gunung Ledang頻率都是用88.1MHz, 所以森美蘭地區肯定會聽到微小的雜音, 但是干擾不會很高, 因為88.1MHz都是同樣的電台. 

芙蓉地區和附近地區則是88.3MHz.

最後, 看今年2017年會有電台會在森美蘭使用102.1MHz嗎? 看應該是馬來電台吧!

去年2016年10月, 102.1MHz在雪邦使用為F1賽事廣播評論電台, 但只是F1季節.. 其實如果Kool FM使用了102.1MHz, 雪邦F1賽事廣播評論電台可以轉去使用90.8MHz.

BFM Seremban frequency analysis

In Seremban, traditionally all the radio stations are transmitted from Gunung Telapak Burok, perhaps it is a strategic site for Negeri Sembilan.

Previously, there is only two vacant frequencies left which can be used in Gunung Telapak Burok, there are FM 102.1MHz and FM 106.0MHz.

On 28 October 2016, FM 106.0MHz was used by City Plus FM (Cense Media Sdn Bhd) in Gunung Telapak Burok. City Plus FM is the Malaysia's first Chinese business oriented radio station.

FM 102.1MHz can be used by another radio station in Gunung Telapak Burok, Kool FM could be the possible, I guessed.

For BFM Seremban frequency, I don't think there is available to be used in Gunung Telapak Burok because those frequencies like 90.1, 99.1, 99.9 and 105.5 are not suitable.

I proposed FM 90.1MHz for BFM Seremban frequency planning. Here is the RF analysis if I put FM 90.1MHz in Gunung Telapak Burok

90.1MHz: BFM Gunung Telapak Burok
90.3MHz: Traxx FM KL Tower
90.5MHz: Minnal FM Gunung Telapak Burok
(200kHz left right, interference in Klang Valley)

90.1MHz: BFM Gunung Telapak Burok
90.3MHz: Era FM Gunung Ledang
90.5MHz: Minnal FM Gunung Telapak Burok
(200kHz left right, interference in Melaka)

89.7MHz: Ai FM Gunung Telapak Burok
89.9MHz: BFM Gunung Ulu Kali
90.1MHz: BFM Gunung Telapak Burok
(200kHz left right, interference in Klang Valley and Negeri Sembilan)
 
Bukit Gan is the site can be used to cover Seremban, but coverage is limited for Seremban, it is not wide as Gunung Telapak Burok, where can cover 80% of Negeri Sembilan areas.

==Here is my suggestion on parameter of BFM Seremban frequency==

Frequency: FM 90.1MHz
Power: 0.5kW
Transmitter site: Bukit Gan, Seremban

Bukit Senggora empty FM frequencies analysis

In Bukit Senggora, there has some empty frequencies.

Here are the list of empty FM frequencies, based on FM scanning and spectrum condition:

- FM 93.7MHz
- FM 99.7MHz
- FM 100.7MHz
- FM 104.4MHz

1. FM 93.7MHz

- 200kHz with FM 93.9MHz. If Bernama Radio24 transmits from Gunung Ulu Kali on 93.9MHz, FM 93.7MHz cannot be received clearly in Temerloh from Bukit Senggora, even no signal.
- 100kHz with FM 93.6MHz Gunung Ledang. Not clear in Temerloh

2. FM 99.7MHz
- 400kHz with Gunung Ulu Kali 99.3MHz and 100.1MHz
- 300kHz with Bukit Pelindung 100.0MHz
- 200kHz with Gunung Telapak Burok FM 99.5MHz
- Suitable for gap filler stations (RTM Ai FM Bukit Senggora)
- My suggested frequency for Ai FM Bukit Senggora as current 89.6MHz interferes with IKIM FM Bukit Pelindung in areas between Kuantan and Maran

3. FM 100.7MHz
- 200kHz with Gunung Ulu Kali 100.9MHz
- 300kHz with Bukit Pelindung 100.4MHz
- 100kHz with Gunung Telapak Burok FM 100.6MHz
- Suitable for gap filler stations (RTM Minnal FM Bukit Senggora)
- My suggested frequency for Minnal FM Bukit Senggora as current 90.4MHz interferes with IKIM FM Bukit Pelindung in areas between Kuantan and Maran
- Previously suggested for THR Gegar, but it seems not effective much because Temerloh receives My FM 100.6MHz Gn Telapak Burok signal.

4. FM 104.4MHz
- 300kHz with Gunung Ulu Kali 104.1MHz
- 300kHz with Bukit Pelindung 104.1MHz and 104.7MHz
- 100kHz with Gunung Telapak Burok 104.6MHz
- Suitable for commercial broadcasting like THR Gegar.

Previously I had published about my opinion of THR Gegar Bukit Senggora frequency for Central Pahang like Temerloh, Maran, Jengka, Mentakab and Bera on FM 100.7MHz. During Pahang trip on Deepavali 2016, I noticed that Temerloh cannot receive any signals from Bukit Senggora by testing Pahang FM 92.0MHz, and Nasional FM 91.2MHz.

RTM Bukit Senggora power is 0.5kW, that's small coverage.

In my opinion, Temerloh may receive Bukit Senggora signal if occupied 2kW.

Imagine if THR Gegar used my former suggested frequency FM 100.7MHz with 2kW power in Bukit Senggora, I don't think Temerloh can receive the station and it will cause interference there as My FM 100.6MHz from Gunung Telapak Burok is still very clear there.

Moreover, frequencies in Central Pahang are limited enough. I don't think it is effective to cover Temerloh and some West Pahang areas if use the frequencies which 200kHz with Gunung Ulu Kali. Basically FM 93.7MHz can be used for commercial broadcasting (2kW) in Bukit Senggora if Bernama Radio never use Gunung Ulu Kali. Inversely, if Bernama Radio use 93.9MHz in Gunung Ulu Kali, FM 93.7MHz Bukit Senggora is not clear in Temerloh.

Another frequency, FM 100.7MHz Bukit Senggora. Selangor FM 100.9MHz Gunung Ulu Kali uses directional antenna to cover Selangor only, meanwhile Pahang is not so clear. Although commercial radio uses FM 100.7MHz Bukit Senggora, it has no problem if 200kHz with Gunung Ulu Kali 100.9MHz, but it will be interfered by My FM 100.6MHz from Gunung Telapak Burok.

In conclusion, FM 104.4MHz is the best frequency to be used by commercial radio for Central Pahang, perhaps 300kHz with Gunung Ulu Kali. If THR Gegar use 104.4MHz with at least 2kW (best is 3.5kW) in Bukit Senggora, I think it may be effective to cover Temerloh until Lanchang due to there is no interference with any station from Gunung Telapak Burok.

My suggestion Astro Radio expansion in another town of Sarawak

Early of 2010's, Astro Radio had expanded its coverage in Miri, Sarawak with My FM, Hitz FM, Sinar FM, Mix FM and Era FM, then after Melody FM launched in 2012, Mix FM Miri frequency slot was taken over by Melody FM.

Currently, Astro radio stations already broadcast in Kuching and Miri of Sarawak (except Lite FM and Mix FM in Miri).

In my opinion, Astro can launch its radio stations in Sarawak's 3rd largest city, known as Sibu.

There is no coverage of Astro radio stations in Sibu yet.

Astro can launch My FM, Hitz FM, Lite FM, Sinar FM, Melody FM and Era FM in Sibu. With this suggestion, Astro can gain more listeners in Sarawak and "drag" listeners from other radio stations.

About the transmission site of Sibu, Bukit Lima is the suitable site. I had studied about Bukit Singgalang, but the site does not give better coverage in Sibu. Bukit Singgalang covers Setapong Sarawak, a rural area of Sibu Divison. Bukit Lima has higher commercial value than Bukit Singgalang as many people in Sibu town listen to the radio. Bukit Lima is located in Sibu town. 

My suggestion of broadcasting expansion for Tea FM

Tea FM is Chinese and English radio station in Sabah and Sarawak, which was launched on August 2015 with two frequencies in Kota Kinabalu on FM 102.8MHz from Bukit Karatong and Kuching on FM 102.7MHz from Bukit Antu.This radio station is designed for East Malaysia listeners, it will not launch any radio transmitters in Peninsular Malaysia.

Tea FM will expand its broadcast coverage to another major town in Sabah and Sarawak in the future.

In my opinion, Sibu, Miri of Sarawak and Sandakan of Sabah may be in the list.

About the parameters, here are my own suggestion.

- Tea FM Miri
Frequency: FM 88.5MHz
Power: 1kW
Transmitting location: Bukit Lambir

- Tea FM Sandakan
Frequency: FM 103.6MHz
Power: 2kW
Transmitting location: Bukit Trig

- Tea FM Sibu
Frequency: FM 102.9MHz
Power: 2kW
Transmitting location: Bukit Lima

About Sibu frequency, there has two transmitting locations, Bukit Singgalang and Bukit Lima. I do suggest Bukit Lima because it covers Sibu town clearly and it has higher commercial value. Besides that, Bukit Singgalang covers Setapong of Sarawak only, Sibu town cannot receive the signal from Bkt Singgalang clearly and Bukit Singgalang has no commercial values.

Next, talk regarding Miri frequency. I do suggest Bukit Lambir, rather than Tanjong Lobang because most of radio stations in Miri are using Bukit Lambir tower, it may provide better coverage than Tanjong Lobang.