Singapore Lush FM 99.5MHz will cease transmission

 

Mediacorp will cease the transmission of Lush FM 99.5MHz on 31th August 2017 2359 hours as as part of a rationalisation of its network of radio stations.

Last year 2016, Mediacorp already stopped transmission of XFM 96.3MHz due to low listenership. It seems like Mediacorp is moving more to business implications.

Before launching of Lush FM 99.5MHz, the frequency was used by Passion FM, but both are Singapore's indie radio stations.

Previously Mediacorp had ceased its low ratings radio stations transmission, such as TV Mobile 89.3MHz in 2010, and XFM 96.3MHz in October 2016, but now it is Lush FM 99.5MHz, Lush FM music playlist will be merged into 938 LIVE and 987FM.

Will Mediacorp cease Symphony 92.4 next? If I answer, I will say "NO" as Symphony 92.4MHz was established long time ago, since 1936. Symphony 92.4 was formerly known as Singapore Radio Network 5.

Former Mediacorp radio frequencies 89.3MHz and 96.3MHz are now occupied by Singapore Press Holdings (SPH), they will launch a English business radio station and a Chinese senior listeners targeted radio station. After Mediacorp 89.3MHz and 96.3MHz ceased transmission, both of the radio stations frequencies had nothing, it stated that 89.3MHz and 96.3MHz are returned to MDA. In this view, I understand that Mediacorp is privatized Singapore public radio, but Mediacorp both radio stations do not hold Content Applications Service Provider (CASP) licenses.. If they hold CASP licenses, they can sell their studio equipment and stations to other parties while both stations are played in autopilot mode, just like Red FM and Capital FM Malaysia.

After Lush FM 99.5MHz stops transmission on 01.09.2017 at 0000hours, the frequency 99.5MHz will be empty and it will be returned to Media Development Authority (MDA) of Singapore. Next, MDA can open tender publicly for new radio station on FM 99.5MHz.

Talk about Johor Bahru radio stations, the frequency there is very full, even 107.9MHz cannot be used there as occupied by airband. I never think FM 99.5MHz will be given to Malaysia Johor Bahru radio station because FM 99.5MHz is fully belonged to Singapore.

Although if 99.5MHz is given to Gunung Pulai radio station, I don't think MCMC will give greenlight because it may cause co-channel interference with Hot FM 99.5MHz Gunung Telapak Burok in Central and North Johor.

Will 99.5MHz still belong to Mediacorp? Or fall to other Singapore radio group? That's unknown, we need to get the headlines from MDA and which radio station will be awarded by MDA on 99.5MHz in the future.... That will be the future stories.

In my opinion, seriously Singapore indie music could be discriminated after Lush FM 99.5MHz is ceased transmission. For my suggestion, Lush FM 99.5MHz music shall be merged into 938 LIVE as non-peak hours segment or music playlist, means that 938 LIVE plays Singapore indie music while airing news and talk programmes. Even 938 LIVE can play Lush FM 99.5MHz music content as weekend supplements.  

Kota Bharu radio sites

In Kota Bharu, a state capital of Kelantan, the radio transmitter sites are variable. Different radio stations in Kota Bharu have different transmitter sites, this can mean that the towers are owned by broadcasters at the same time.

- Peringat is belonged to Media Prima, which operates TV3, NTV7, 8TV, TV9, one FM, Kool FM, Hot FM and Fly FM. Currently only One FM and 8TV (analogue only) are not available in Kota Bharu due to no commercial value.

- Bukit Panau is likely owned by Astro, but IKIM FM also transmits there.

- Telipot is not owned by anyone, but occupied by Suria FM from Star Radio Group, TV Alhijrah and upcoming FM 91.4MHz. RTM formerly used Telipot for their Kota Bharu TV and radio channels.

- KBX Tunjung is owned by CELCOM, but operated by Manis FM 90.6MHz

- In Wakaf Che Yeh, RTM has its own tower at its Kota Bharu studios. All RTM Kota Bharu stations are transmitted there, but technically it is called as "Stesen Pemancar RTM Kota Bharu" (generally known as Wakaf Che Yeh).

- Bukit Bakar is not transmitter site for Kota Bharu, it is mainly intending to cover Machang and Central Kelantan areas. Not all Kota Bharu areas can receive from Bukit Bakar. Actually RTM and TV3 are the broadcasters to operate there.

In conclusion, there has no a very strategic transmitter site in Kota Bharu, Kelantan like other states such as Kedah, where there has Gunung Jerai can cover Kedah, Perlis, Penang, North Perak and some Thailand areas.

My suggestion about City Plus FM Klang Valley frequency

Currently City Plus FM is transmitted from Gunung Telapak Burok on FM 106.0MHz, which was formerly carried by Red FM.

In Klang Valley, the reception is not really clear, some of areas have no signal. The main reason why CityPlus FM locates in Gunung Telapak Burok is the main site Gunung Ulu Kali tower is full, but the only way to solve the problem is City Plus FM needs to migrate to Ulu Kali by changing frequency with 100kHz step above, but all analogue TV transmitter boxes must remove from Ulu Kali as there is already having myFreeView digital TV transmitter, as result of closing analogue TV transmission.

The main reason why do I suggest City Plus FM to change frequency when moving to Ulu Kali.

Reason: Current FM 106.0MHz has 300kHz separation with Lite FM 105.7MHz Gunung Ulu Kali. If City Plus FM uses 106.0MHz in Ulu Kali, it can cause unwanted interference as it is too closed. If both radio stations runs at the same site within same coverage, the minimum frequency separation must be at least 400kHz.

So here is my suggestion regarding City Plus FM Klang Valley frequency

Frequency: FM 106.1MHz
Power: 2kW
Transmitter site: Gunung Ulu Kali, Pahang

==RF analysis==

106.1MHz: City Plus FM Gunung Ulu Kali
106.1MHz: Ai FM Bukit Pelindung
<0kHz, OK>

106.1MHz: City Plus FM Gunung Ulu Kali
106.1MHz: Ai FM Bukit Larut
<0kHz, OK>

105.7MHz: Lite FM Gunung Ulu Kali
106.1MHz: City Plus FM Gunung Ulu Kali
<400kHz, OK>

106.1MHz: City Plus FM Gunung Ulu Kali
106.4MHz: MY FM Gunung Ledang
<300kHz, OK>

106.1MHz: City Plus FM Gunung Ulu Kali
106.4MHz: Astro Gunung Kledang test transmission
<300kHz, OK>

Kool FM Perak frequency (PART 1)

In Perak, Kool FM is only available on FM 90.2MHz from Bukit Penara Penang in Parit Buntar, Bagan Serai, Semanggol, Selama, and Taiping, but not all areas can receive the station clearly. Meanwhile FM 101.3MHz from Bukit Sungai Besi is still receivable in Tanjung Malim, but not clear.

Unfortunately, Kool FM is still not able to reach Gunung Ulu Kali as tower capacity is full. The only way is waiting all analogue TV to remove their transmitters.

For Perak, Kool FM is not available in Ipoh, and Central Perak. In addition, Ipoh FM frequency is not available. Even there are possible frequencies which likely can be used there.

93.3MHz, 93.9MHz and 94.9MHz.

All of them are not suitable to be used due to many reasons.

- FM 93.3MHz
Reason 1: 300kHz to Hitz FM 93.6MHz Bukit Larut. Not recommended.
Reason 2: If City Plus FM reaches Penang by using Bukit Larut site, FM 93.1MHz is only suitable ones, but if 93.3MHz is used in Gunung Kledang, it can cause 200kHz interference with City Plus FM.

- FM 93.9MHz
Reason: If Bernama Radio migrates its Klang Valley 93.9MHz transmitter site from Kuala Lumpur Tower to Gunung Ulu Kali for wider coverage, it will cause serious co-channel interference between 93.9MHz Gunung Kledang and 93.9MHz Ulu Kali. 988 FM 98.8MHz Gunung Ulu Kali is an example, serious interference with Minnal FM Gunung Kledang 98.9MHz in South Perak.

- FM 94.9MHz
Reason: Cause co-channel interference with Radio Klasik FM 94.9MHz around Kedah, even co-channel interference can be happened in Manjung Perak. Minimum frequency separation between Kledang and Jerai is 100kHz.

In my opinion, if Kool FM wants to reach Perak (mainly Ipoh), the only way is to launch a transmitter in Bukit Larut Taiping to cover Ipoh temporarily. For the frequency, only FM 105.7MHz is available. To cover Ipoh from Bukit Larut, the antenna shall beam to east direction, but I don't think all Ipoh areas can receive Kool FM 105.7MHz from Bukit Larut. Due to FM 105.7MHz Bukit Larut co-channel with Kedah FM 105.7MHz, the transmitter antenna shall not beam to north direction to avoid interference.

With launching Bukit Larut frequency 105.7MHz, it does not mean that all Perak areas can receive Kool FM because Bukit Larut is mainly intended for Taiping Perak. Other Central Perak areas may not receive Kool FM 105.7MHz Bukit Larut because co-channel interference with Lite FM 105.7MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali.

Besides that, for Central Ipoh areas, only Ipoh, Simpang Pulai, Kampar and Gopeng can receive from Bukit Larut, but not clear as Gunung Kledang. Meanwhile Tapah, Teluk Intan, Lumut, Sitiawan, Kampung Gajah, Bidor, Sungkai, Pangkor, Ayer Tawar cannot receive Kool FM 105.7MHz Bukit Larut, instead FM 105.7MHz is Lite FM in these areas.

Kool FM listeners in Taiping does not need to tune FM 90.2MHz which hear 300kHz interference with Hot FM 90.5MHz Bukit Larut, just 105.7MHz Bukit Larut if launch there. Kuala Kangsar, Padang Rengas, Sauk, and Lenggong are available.

FM 102.0MHz test transmission in Negeri Sembilan and Melaka

On 26th June 2017 (2nd day of Hari Raya Aidilfitri), when I was on the way from Muar to Teluk Intan, suddenly I received a FM radio signal on FM 102.0MHz around Rembau, Simpang Ampat and Tampin around PLUS Highway.

FM 102.0MHz had signal there, but no any music or sound on that frequency. Reception was clear and stable around there. Compare with Negeri FM 95.7MHz Bukit Tampin, the FM 102.0MHz is better. Initially I heavily suspected FM 102.0MHz was from Gunung Telapak Burok, but the signal went weak when I came to Senawang and Seremban. Technically, I suspected the FM 102.0MHz was carried trial transmission in Bukit Tampin, Negeri Sembilan.

Talk about if FM 102.0MHz in Bukit Tampin, I don't think it is good enough because the frequency is too closed with Melaka FM 102.3MHz Gunung Ledang. For your information, Bukit Tampin can covers Melaka, not only Tampin and Rembau. I will show you the RF analysis of FM 102.0MHz in Bukit Tampin:

101.8MHz: MY FM Gunung Ulu Kali
102.0MHz: Bukit Tampin
<200kHz, OK>

101.9MHz: Johor FM Gunung Pulai
102.0MHz: Bukit Tampin
<100kHz, OK>

There is critical RF analysis below:

102.0MHz: Bukit Tampin
102.3MHz: Melaka FM Gunung Ledang
<300kHz>

Actually the minimum frequency separation between Gunung Ledang and Bukit Tampin must be 400kHz as Gunung Ledang and Bukit Tampin have same coverage in Melaka and South Negeri Sembilan, although Bukit Tampin does not cover North Johor. I think it is ok if FM 102.0MHz is located in Gunung Telapak Burok, instead of Bukit Tampin.

In my opinion, private broadcasters will not choose Bukit Tampin for Melaka due to commercial value, instead they will choose Gunung Ledang for Melaka as Gunung Ledang can cover Melaka, North Johor, South Negeri Sembilan (Tampin and Rembau) and parts of South Pahang. Gunung Ledang also can cover Tampin clearly where it cannot receive from Gunung Telapak Burok.

MCMC may not allow FM 102.1MHz to be occupied in Gunung Telapak Burok as it may interfere Melaka FM 102.3MHz Gunung Ledang coverage in Kem Terendak, Masjid Tanah, Lubok China and Kuala Sungai Baru as these areas can receive Gunung Telapak Burok signal clearly and loudly like what receive in Seremban and Nilai. In addition, Melaka FM only has 1 frequency from Gunung Ledang on 102.3MHz to cover whole Melaka, there is no any alternative frequency, just like Selangor FM 100.9MHz.

RF analysis FM 102.0MHz Gunung Telapak Burok:

101.8MHz: MY FM Gunung Ulu Kali
102.0MHz: Test transmission Gunung Telapak Burok
<200kHz, OK>

101.9MHz: Johor FM Gunung Pulai
102.0MHz:Test transmission Gunung Telapak Burok
<100kHz, OK>

102.0MHz: Test transmission Gunung Telapak Burok
102.3MHz: Melaka FM Gunung Ledang
<300kHz, OK>

Due to Melaka FM only run 102.3MHz for Melaka, so minimum frequency separation between Gunung Telapak Burok and Gunung Ledang (for Melaka) should be 300kHz. Actually there is no problem if 102.1MHz use in Gunung Telapak Burok, but Tx antenna should not beam to Melaka direction to prevent interference to Melaka FM coverage within Melaka.

I may guess there is new radio station will use 102.0MHz in Negeri Sembilan, it may be Kool FM by Media Prima. If Kool FM uses 102.0MHz in Gunung Telapak Burok, I think My FM 101.8MHz Gunung Ulu Kali may have minor interference by Kool FM 102.0MHz in South Klang Valley, but My FM can be received alternatively on FM 100.6MHz from Gunung Telapak Burok (Seremban) there.

THR Gegar frekuensi Jerantut cadangan dan analisa (Bukit Istana)

Di kawasan Jerantut, THR Gegar tidak boleh diterima dari Bukit Pelindung pada FM 88.8MHz dari Bukit Pelindung kerana kawasan tersebut terlindung oleh gunung-ganang.

Untuk makluman para pembaca blog Philip DXing Log, kawasan Jerantut hanya boleh menerima siaran radio dan TV sama ada dari Gunung Ulu Kali (Genting) atau Bukit Istana yang terletak di bandar Jerantut. Terdapat satu stesen televisyen swasta mempunyai pemancar Bukit Istana untuk Jerantut, iaitu TV3 pada CH11 (VHF 217.25MHz).

Oleh kerana THR Gegar tidak dapat melancarkan frekuensi di Gunung Ulu Kali untuk Pahang Barat kerana sudah ada THR Raaga yang berbahasa Tamil di situ, THR Gegar boleh melancarkan satu frekuensi di Bukit Istana Jerantut. Berbanding dengan pemancar Bukit Senggora yang disebut sebelum ini, Bukit Istana mungkin mempuyai nilai komersil tinggi sikit daripada Bukit Senggora untuk THR Gegar.

TV3 juga tiada frekuensi di Bukit Senggora, tapi Bukit Istana.

Di sini terdapat cadangan saya mengenai THR Gegar frekuensi Jerantut:

==Frekuensi THR Gegar Jerantut==
Frekuensi: FM 100.7MHz (sebelum dicadangkan di Bukit Senggora)
Kuasa: 2kW
Tempat pemancar: Bukit Istana, Jerantut, Pahang.
Kawasan liputan: Jerantut, Kuala Krau, Damak, dan Jengka

==RF analisa THR Gegar frekuensi Jerantut==

100.7MHz: THR Gegar Bukit Istana
100.9MHz: Selangor FM Gunung Ulu Kali
<200kHz, OK>

100.6MHz: MY FM Gunung Telapak Burok
100.7MHz: THR Gegar Bukit Istana
<100kHz, OK>

100.7MHz: THR Gegar Bukit Istana
101.1MHz: MY FM Bukit Pelindung
<400kHz, OK>

100.4MHz: one FM Bukit Pelindung
100.7MHz: THR Gegar Bukit Istana
<300kHz, OK>

100.7MHz: THR Gegar Bukit Istana
100.7MHz: Minnal FM Bukit Bauk
<0kHz, OK>

==Peta liputan THR Gegar Bukit Istana==

Merah: 70-100; Biru: 54-70; Kelabu: 30-54
Hijau: 54-100; Kuning: 30-54

==Senarai TV dan radio di Bukit Istana==

Awam/Kerajaan/RTM:

- TV1: CH6

- TV2: CH9

- Radio Klasik 88.1MHz (0.1kW)

- Nasional FM 93.5MHz (0.1kW)

- Pahang FM 92.7MHz (0.1kW)

- Traxx FM 89.9MHz (0.1kW)

- Ai FM 90.7MHz (0.1kW)

- Minnal FM 91.9MHz (0.1kW)

Swasta:

- TV3 CH11

- THR Gegar 100.7MHz (2kW): Cadangan

THR Gegar Pahang Tengah (Bukit Senggora) analisa 2017

Untuk kawasan Pahang, THR Gegar hanya bersiaran di Bukit Pelindung untuk Kuantan, Gambang, Sri Jaya, Maran, Chini, Muadzam Shah, dan Pekan pada frekuensi FM 88.8MHz.
2 tahun lepas, saya pernah membuat cadangan mengenai THR Gegar untuk Pahang Tengah dari Bukit Senggora. Dari segi nilai komersil, Bukit Senggora tiada nilai komersil, berbanding dengan Bukit Pelindung. Liputan utama Bukit Senggora ialah Maran, Sri Jaya dan Chenor. Pada masa kini, RTM hanya ada pemancar di Bukit Senggora, manakala stesen radio swasta di kawasan Maran, Sri Jaya dan Chenor perlu menerima signal sama ada dari Gunung Ulu Kali (Genting Highlands) atau Bukit Pelindung (Kuantan). Antara dua tempat pemancar radio, penerimaan Gunung Ulu Kali lebih jelas daripada Bukit Pelindung di Maran, dan Chenor.

Chenor masih boleh menerima siaran radio dari Gunung Telapak Burok (Negeri Sembilan), selain daripada Gunung Ulu Kali yang jelas.

Saya tidak boleh menjamin bahawa Bukit Senggora boleh meliputi Temerloh, Mentakab dan Lanchang atau tidak kerana saya tidak dapat menerima siaran radio dari Bukit Senggora (terutama RTM Pahang FM 92.0MHz) di Temerloh, Bera, Teriang dan Mentakab pada Oktober 2016.

Pada Ogos 2015, saya pernah menghantar cadangan kepada pihak Astro Radio untuk melancarkan frekuensi THR Gegar di Pahang Tengah (Maran, Chenor, Jengka, Temerloh, Bera, Lanchang & Mentakab). Saya telah diberitahui bahawa tiada frekuensi yang sesuai boleh digunakan di Bukit Senggora.

Selepas saya mengadakan perjalanan di Pahang pada Oktober 2016, saya sedar bahawa kawasan Pahang Tengah seperti Temerloh, Jengka, Chenor dan Bera masih boleh menerima siaran radio dari Gunung Telapak Burok dan Gunung Ledang yang jauh, namun penerimaan siaran radio dari Gunung Ledang dan Telapak Burok masih jelas di kawasan tersebut serta menunjukkan isyarat "STEREO" )))ST(( pada alat penerima radio.

Pada tahun Oktober 2016, saya buat satu analisa Bukit Senggora dengan dua frekuensi, iaitu 100.7MHz dan 104.4MHz. Saya mendapati dua frekuensi ini dari Bukit Senggora boleh diganggu oleh stesen Gunung Ledang dan Gunung Telapak Burok di kawasan Temerloh dan Bera.

==Analisa yang didapati gagal atau kurang sesuai==

100.6MHz: My FM Gunung Telapak Burok
100.7MHz: THR Gegar Bukit Senggora
<100kHz>

104.3MHz: Hot FM Gunung Ledang
104.4MHz: THR Gegar Bukit Senggora
<100kHz>

Untuk makluman, pemancaran Gunung Ledang boleh didapati dengan jelas di sebahagian besar Pahang Selatan dan Tengah seperti Kemayan, Mengkarak, Teriang, Bandar Bera, Temerloh, Keratong (Bandar Tun Abdul Razak), Mentakab dan Muadzam Shah. Jika THR Gegar 104.4MHz diguna di Bukit Senggora, ia boleh menyebabkan gangguan kepada liputan Hot FM 104.3MHz Gunung Ledang di Kemayan, juga Negeri Sembilan Timur Laut seperti FELDA Sungai Lui, FELDA Palong dan Jempol. Nota: Gunung Telapak Burok tidak jelas di FELDA Sungai Lui.

Kesimpulannya, THR Gegar kurang sesuai melancarkan frekuensinya di Bukit Senggora untuk Pahang Tengah di atas sebab bawah:

- Tiada nilai komersil kerana pemancaran terutamanya untuk Maran, Chini, Sri Jaya, dan Chenor
- Tiada frekuensi yang sesuai digunakan, walaupun ada yang kosong. Kemungkinan boleh menyebabkan gangguan dengan stesen lain (terutama Gunung Telapak Burok dan Gunung Ledang) antara satu sama lain
- Pemancaran THR Gegar di Pahang yang tersedia ada FM 88.8MHz dari Bukit Pelindung Kuantan boleh diterima sampai Sri Jaya dan sebahagian kawasan Maran. Terdapat beberapa kawasan Maran boleh menerima siaran THR Gegar 88.8MHz, oleh itu pemancar THR Gegar di Bukit Senggora tidak diperlukan.
- Tidak boleh jamin Bukit Senggora boleh dipancar ke Temerloh dimana kawasan ini agak padat di Pahang.
- Tiada mana-mana stesen TV dan radio swasta melancarkan frekuensi di Bukit Senggora, namun TV3 yang terkenal di Malaysia juga tiada pemancar Bkt Senggora.

Kawasan liputan Bukit Senggora (pada 5kW):

List of Malaysia Tamil radio stations where can received in outside Malaysia

Minnal FM and THR Raaga are the Malaysia Tamil radio stations, the stations can be received outside Malaysia such as Thailand and Singapore. Here's the coverage list:

==Singapore & Batam==

- THR Raaga 103.7MHz from Gunung Pulai
- Minnal FM 101.1MHz from Gunung Pulai

==Thailand==

1. Satun
- THR Raaga 101.9MHz Gunung Raya
- Minnal FM 96.7MHz Gunung Jerai

2. Part of Songkhla
- THR Raaga 101.9MHz Gunung Raya or 102.4MHz Gunung Jerai
- Minnal FM 96.7MHz Gunung Jerai or 107.5MHz UUM Sintok

3. Part of Yala
- Minnal FM 96.7MHz Gunung Jerai or 100.9MHz Bukit Bakar

4. Betong
- THR Raaga 102.4MHz Gunung Jerai
- Minnal FM 93.3MHz Bukit Palong

5. Narathiwat
- Minnal FM 100.9MHz Bukit Bakar or 106.7MHz Telipot

6. Sungai Padi, Sg Kolok & Rantau Panjang
- Minnal FM 100.9MHz Bukit Bakar

For Indians travel these areas, they can still receive these two stations there.

Tamil free-to-air terrestrial TV station in Malaysia?

Currently there are nine free-to-air terrestrial television stations in Malaysia such as:

==RTM==
- TV1 (Malay Infotainment)
- TV2 (Malay majority, English, Chinese, Tamil)

==Media Prima==
- TV3 (Malay General)
- NTV7 (Chinese General and English)
- 8TV (Chinese Entertainment)
- TV9 (Malay and Indonesian)

- TV Alhijrah (Malay Islamic)
- Bernama News Channel (Malay-English news channel)

BUT.... There is no any Tamil free-to-air TV channel for Indian community in Malaysia yet after decline of Channel 9.

Channel 9 was used to broadcast Tamil block programmes. In 2004, Channel 9 was owned by Anaza Sdn Bhd which also operated Time Highway Radio. It was acquired by Media Prima in 2005 due to financial crisis. Seriously, currently Indians targeted TV shows (Bollywood, Kollywood) are aired on TV2, TV3, NTV7 partially. After Channel 9 was rebranded to TV9, Indian community was heavily discriminated of watching Tamil free to air TV.

NTV7 was used to air Bollywood movies which was known as "Stars Of India" on every Sunday 4-7pm many years ago.

In 2012, Astro launched its free satellite TV, known as NJOI. Astro Vaanavil (CH201) finally became free-to-air TV in Malaysia, but not terrestrial one, also with Makkal TV. In my opinion, Astro Vellithirai also should be added to NJOI free channels.

Media Prima Berhad had captured Malay and Chinese markets majority for free to air TV business, together with minor English market. Among all Media Prima TV stations, 4 of them carry Malay and Chinese TV programmes majority.

myFreeView (MYTV Broadcasting), a free-to-air digital terrestrial TV (via DVB-T2) in Malaysia which owned by Syed Mokhtar under Puncak Semangat Sdn Bhd was launched officially on 6th June 2017. Analog terrestrial television will be closed down on June 2018 in Malaysia.

myFreeView has 9 TV channels, 4 RTM radio stations, and 2 test TV channels. It will add more channels to 30 in the future. I think they should launch at least a Tamil TV channel for Indian community in Malaysia.

Media Prima already capture Chinese and Malay TV markets majority in Malaysia, why not they can capture Indian TV markets by launching a Tamil language majority free to air TV in Malaysia?

By launching Tamil commercial TV in Malaysia, they can broadcast Bollywood, Kollywood, Tamil dramas, and Tamil news on the TV. So, it results end of monopoly for RTM TV2 Tamil programme.

==History of commercial TV in Malaysia==

- TV3 in 1984 to end monopoly of RTM
- TV4 or Metrovision in 1995
- NTV7 in 1998 to end monopoly of RTM TV2 (English and Chinese) and TV3
- Channel 9 to end monopoly of RTM TV2 (Tamil) in 2003, but declined in 2005
- 8TV in 2004 to end monopoly of RTM TV2 (Chinese)

If a Tamil free-to-air TV is not successful, but at least the TV operators add Tamil programme on their existing station.

Additional remark: GoAsean TV was already ceased transmission from Astro CH737 on 12th June 2017, actually GoAsean TV can go to myFreeView as Malaysia first travel terrestrial TV channel.

 

[馬來西亞廣播技術歷史回顧]: one FM短暫試播森美蘭頻道FM 90.9MHz

現在one FM的森美蘭芙蓉頻道是FM 88.3MHz, 發射地點是在Bukit Gan (芙蓉市中心). one FM芙蓉頻道88.3MHz其實是從2009年開齋節時公佈. 從2009年9月到2010年8月, one FM芙蓉頻道88.3處於不穩定狀態.. 2010年8月後, 88.3在芙蓉和附近地區線路穩定.

當one FM把芙蓉頻道88.3穩定化時, 同時one FM也在森美蘭芙蓉設有另外一個頻道來進行試播, 頻率為FM 90.9MHz, 發射地點是從Gunung Telapak Burok發射. one FM芙蓉第二個頻道90.9MHz試播期間屬於on and off試播的, 意思指one FM的芙蓉頻道90.9訊號是開關試播的...

我沒有從任何人士得到one FM芙蓉試播頻道90.9MHz的訊息, 但是我曾經通過收音機無意中接收到one FM的訊號..

2010年7-8月左右, 我曾經在雪蘭莪南部無拉港使用我住宅區的保安人員的收音機嘗試接收電台訊號, 那時候我嘗試收聽土著語言電台Asyik FM 102.5MHz/91.1MHz.. 那時候我只是知道one FM在我的地區可以收到只有FM 88.1MHz (線路不是很清那種), 88.3MHz是完全收不到... 以下是我通過收音機檢測到的電台, 從87.5MHz開始算起:

87.7及87.9是Radio Klasik, 88.1MHz是one FM, 88.5MHz是Muzik FM (現在是Nasional FM), 88.7MHz是Traxx FM, 88.9MHz是Capital FM, 89.3和89.7是愛fm, 89.9MHz是BFM, 90.3MHz是Traxx FM, 90.5MHz是Minnal FM... 突然間有一個中文電台出來

當時我檢測的電台訊號, one FM 88.1MHz那時候是在播放廣告, 我一調收音機調到90.5過後, 聽到一個播放著廣告的中文電台, 那時候聽到收音機說"one FM"... 一轉了台後, 就是91.1MHz Asyik FM, 91.5MHz IKIM FM....

我的地區可以收到博特拉大學 (UPM)的電台, Putra FM 90.7MHz. 當時我借用我的保安人員的收音機檢測電台頻率時, 那時候我是收不到Putra FM 90.7MHz的訊號, 90.7的訊號強烈被其他電台干擾. 當時沒有任何中文電台在巴生谷和芙蓉使用FM 90-91MHz之間的頻率, 那時候我檢測的電台訊號聽到的中文電台的頻率是90-91MHz之間.

很懷疑one FM在芙蓉試播另外一個頻道90.9MHz, 何況又可以在我的地區突然收聽得到, 只是訊號比較弱. one FM的芙蓉試播頻道90.9MHz竟然可以在我保安人員的收音機蓋掉Putra FM 90.7MHz的訊號... 檢測電台訊號的一個小時候, 當我使用汽車收音機, 90.9MHz訊號則消失. 到現在one FM的芙蓉頻道依然是88.3MHz, 他們已經不再用曾經試播的90.9MHz來對森美蘭廣播...

我認為one FM在Gunung Telapak Burok發射的90.9MHz是不會被馬來西亞多媒體委員會 (MCMC, 廣電局)批准因為對其他電台產生干擾.

==頻率分析==

90.9MHz: one FM Gunung Telapak Burok
91.1MHz: Asyik FM Menara Kuala Lumpur
<200kHz, OK>

90.9MHz: one FM Gunung Telapak Burok
91.1MHz: Mix FM Gunung Ledang
<200kHz, OK>

90.7MHz: Putra FM UPM
90.9MHz: One FM Gunung Telapak Burok
<200kHz, 不ok, 產生干擾>

以下的頻率分析可以證明one FM 90.9MHz對其他電台產生干擾:

90.5MHz: Minnal FM Gunung Telapak Burok
90.7MHz: Putra FM UPM
90.9MHz: One FM Gunung Telapak Burok

Minnal FM 90.5和one FM 90.9MHz猶如筷子, 夾著一個食物(90.7MHz). 老實說, UPM離Gunung Telapak Burok其實不會很遠, 因為UPM差不多是屬於巴生谷南部的地區, 加上Gunung Telapak Burok可以覆蓋巴生谷南部.

List of radio stations which changed frequency in Malaysia

Here are the radio stations in Malaysia which had changed frequency due to certain reasons

1. Sinar FM Bukit Trig (104.6MHz to 106.9MHz)
Since 2014
Reason: 100kHz interference with Sabah FM from Layang-Layang (Mount Kinabalu)

2. Traxx FM Bukit Penara/Bukit Genting (90.1MHz to 88.5MHz)
Since October 2012
Reason: Frequency was occupied by Pi Mai FM on 90.2MHz in Bukit Penara (now Kool FM)

3. Fly FM Kedah (87.7MHz to 99.1MHz)
Since 2007
Reason: May have 200kHz interference to Langkawi FM 87.5MHz Kuah from Gunung Jerai, or frequency was being reserved for One FM.

4. IKIM FM Gunung Pulai (107.9MHz to 106.2MHz)
Since 2002
Reason: suspect co-channel interference with Batam radio 107.9MHz

5. Manis FM Kota Bahru (88.7MHz to 90.6MHz)
Since: 2003
Reason: (unknown)

6. Labuan FM RTM Labuan (102.9MHz to 103.7MHz)
Since: 1994
Reason: (unknown)

7. Time Highway Radio/THR FM Gunung Ledang (99.6MHz to 99.7MHz)
Since: 1996
Reason: (unknown)

8. One FM Gunung Kledang (87.5MHz to 87.6MHz)
Since: 5th January 2009
Reason: Bad reception and transmission on FM 87.5MHz, suspect interference with other services such as police radio and modern aircraft radio

9. Muzik FM Bukit Bakar (91.8MHz to 96.5MHz)
Since: early 2000's
Reason: 200kHz interference with Radio Thailand Yala 92.0MHz and 100kHz with Muzik FM 91.7MHz Bukit Besar

10. Radio 3 Negeri FM Gunung Telapak Burok (92.5MHz to 92.6MHz)
Since: unknown
Reason: suspect 200kHz interference by Minnal FM 92.3MHz KL Tower within coverage area

11. IKIM FM Kuching (93.6MHz to 93.7MHz)
Since: April 2016
Reason: IKIM FM changed its transmission service provider from CELCOM to TM.

12. Xfresh FM Gunung Ulu Kali (92.0MHz to 105.4MHz to 103.0MHz)
Since: Within 2004
*1st Reason: FM 92.0MHz has 100kHz interference with Ai FM 92.1MHz Gunung Kledang, and 300kHz interference to Minnal FM 92.3MHz KL Tower.
*2nd reason: FM 105.4MHz has 300kHz interference with Lite FM 105.7MHz Gunung Ulu Kali

13. Sandakan FM RTM Sandakan (100.2MHz to 90.1MHz)
Since: 2003
Reason: unknown

14. Perak FM Memplam Sari Gerik (96.1MHz to 96.2MHz)
Since: 2013
Reason: Co-channel interference with 988 FM 96.1MHz Gunung Jerai

15. Putra FM UPM (94.9MHz to 90.7MHz)
Since: 2004
Reason: 100kHz interference with Hitz FM 95.0MHz Gunung Telapak Burok

16. Kelantan FM Bukit Chupak (89.1MHz to 92.0MHz)
Since: early 2010's
Reason: Suspect co-channel interference with Radio Klasik FM 89.1MHz Gunung Brinchang

17. IKIM FM Bukit Panau (89.9MHz to 89.8MHz)
Since: unknown
Reason: 100kHz interference with Kelantan FM 90.0MHz from Bukit Tangki Air Jeli Kelantan

18. One FM Seremban (90.9MHz Gunung Telapak Burok to 88.3MHz Bukit Gan)
Since: August 2010
Reason: One FM 90.9MHz Gunung Telapak Burok has 200kHz interference with Putra FM 90.7MHz in South Klang Valley
Note: One FM 90.9MHz Gunung Telapak Burok was only for trial transmission while Bukit Gan 88.3MHz was being recovered

The analysis above are roughly speculated. Changing frequency is not an easy job to do as it involves many things such as costs and transmission equipment. Before occupy a frequency, please do a proper spectrum planning to prevent any clashing with other radio station. Changing a radio frequency is very costly and expensive.

List of "recycled" FM radio frequency in Malaysia

A. Here are the "recycled" FM frequencies which occupied in Malaysia.

1. FM 107.9MHz
- Former station: Negeri FM RTM Seremban, Radio Klasik (Klasik Nasional) Gunung Telapak Burok second alternative frequency [before December 2009]
- Current station: IM4U FM Bukit Sungai Besi [since March 2013]
Note: Distant station

2. FM 102.9MHz
- Former station: Labuan FM 102.9MHz from RTM Labuan (1986-1994)
- Current station: Tea FM 102.8MHz Bukit Karatong (since 2015)
Note: 100kHz adjacent distant station

3. FM 106.0MHz
- Former station: Red FM Gunung Telapak Burok(formerly known as Red 104.9, RFM 91.5) [1997-June 2009]
- Current station: City Plus FM Gunung Telapak Burok (since 28th October 2016)
Note: Same frequency, same site

4. FM  87.7MHz
- Former station: Fly FM Gunung Jerai (2006-07; trial)
- Current station: One FM Gunung Jerai (since 2009)
Note: Same site, but 100kHz adjacent frequency

5. FM 101.3MHz
- Former station: Negeri FM Port Dickson (1990-2010)
- Current station: Kool FM Bukit Sungai Besi (formerly known as Ultra FM) [since 2013]
Note: Distant station

6. FM 88.7MHz
- Former station: Manis FM Wisma Bangunan Billion (1998-2003)
- Current station: Kool FM Peringat (since October 2016)
Note: 100kHz adjacent frequency

7. FM 105.4MHz
- Former station: XFresh FM Gunung Ulu Kali (trial transmission in 2004, later changed to FM 103.0MHz)
- Current station: Suria FM Gunung Ulu Kali (since 2006)
Note: 100kHz adjacent frequency

8. FM 102.0MHz Changkat Rembian
- Former station: Time Highway Radio (1995-2008)
- Current station: Era FM (2009-present)

9. FM 107.6MHz Bukit Penara
- Former station: Red FM (1997-March 2014)
- Current station: Capital FM (since March 2014), now test transmission after acquired by Astro

10. FM 102.2MHz Bukit Trig & FM 102.4MHz Bukit Lambir
- Former station: Mix FM (2013)
- Current station: Melody FM (since 2014)

11. FM 107.5MHz
- Former station: RTM FM Stereo Johor Bahru (1988-2011), later simply relayed programme from Johor FM
- Current station: Bernama Radio Gunung Pulai (since 2012)

12. FM 93.9MHz Kuala Lumpur Tower
- Former station: Klasik FM/Radio Irama Melayu Asli (1998-2007)
- Current station: Bernama Radio (since 2007)

13. FM 94.9MHz
- Former station: Putra FM UPM (now on FM 90.7MHz)
- Current station: Hitz FM 95.0MHz Gunung Telapak Burok (1997-present)
Note: 100kHz adjacent interference

14. FM 90.1MHz
- Former station: Traxx FM Bukit Genting/ Bukit Penara (2003-2012; changed to FM 88.5MHz)
- Current station: Kool FM 90.2MHz Bukit Penara (since October 2012 with Pi Mai FM)
Note: 100kHz adjacent frequency

City Plus FM巴生谷頻率建議 (Part 2)

目前馬來西亞首家中文財經電台City Plus FM在森美蘭Gunung Telapak Burok發射, 頻率為FM 106.0MHz. 雖然森美蘭, 馬六甲, 彭亨中部, 和巴生谷南部可以收到很清晰, 但不是所有的巴生谷地區可以收到很清楚...

City Plus FM無法在雪蘭莪Gunung Ulu Kali發射的原因是發射塔沒有空間, 無論頻率還是存在.

其實數碼地面電視在馬來西亞正式推出, 馬來西亞類比地面電視 (analogue TV; PAL/NTSC)鎖定在2018年6月結束廣播. 馬來西亞會在2018年中會落實ASO (analogue switch off). Analogue switch off是現有的類比/模擬電視會關閉, 這些電視台已經數碼化廣播. 類比電視廣播是每一家電視台使用一個頻率發射, 反而數碼電視廣播是多家電視台只是使用一個頻率發射. 其實如果一旦電視台關閉類比電視頻道後, 電視台肯定會拆掉類比電視發射器, 所以Gunung Ulu Kali的發射塔就會有空間..

TV1, TV2, TV3, NTV7, 8TV, TV9, TV-Alhijrah的模擬發射器被拆除後, 發射塔可以容納其他電台的發射器, 這可以使到City Plus FM, Kool FM, IM4U FM, 和Bernama Radio可以在Gunung Ulu Kali廣播, 甚至可以覆蓋更多的地區.

一旦City Plus FM要使用Gunung Ulu Kali廣播, 原有的頻率FM 106.0MHz必須關閉, 然後把頻率改為FM 106.1MHz, 但是森美蘭非城市地區收City Plus FM就不會比目前來得清楚因為發射地點不會在Gunung Telapak Burok廣播.

來分析City Plus FM在Gunung Ulu Kali發射後的成果,

City Plus FM 106.1MHz Gunung Ulu Kali可以覆蓋全巴生谷地區, 霹靂南部, 彭亨西部, 森美蘭/馬六甲/柔佛部分地區.

==City Plus FM巴生谷頻率建議==
頻率: 106.1MHz
功率: 2kW
發射地點: Gunung Ulu Kali

==頻率分析==

106.1MHz: City Plus FM Gunung Ulu Kali
106.1MHz: 愛FM Bukit Pelindung (鎖定彭亨東部和關丹)
<0kHz, OK>

106.1MHz: City Plus FM Gunung Ulu Kali
106.4MHz: Red FM Gunung Kledang (鎖定霹靂中南部)
<300kHz, OK>

106.1MHz: City Plus FM Gunung Ulu Kali
106.1MHz: 愛FM Bukit Larut (鎖定霹靂北部)
<0kHz, OK>

106.1MHz: City Plus FM Gunung Ulu Kali
106.2MHz: Ikim FM Gunung Pulai (鎖定柔佛南部)
<100kHz, OK>

FM 102.1MHz Gunung Telapak Burok analysis

In Negeri Sembilan, there is only 1 empty FM frequency which likely suitable to be used in Gunung Telapak Burok. It is FM 102.1MHz.

City Plus FM has occupied FM 106.0MHz (which was formerly used by Red FM/Red 104.9), so 102.1MHz become only last unoccupied frequency.

If Gunung Telapak Burok tower has space, a new radio station can occupy FM 102.1MHz there.

Gunung Telapak Burok covers Negeri Sembilan (except Tampin and Sg Lui Jempol), South Klang Valley, Central Pahang and parts of Melaka/Johor.

==RF analysis of FM 102.1MHz Gunung Telapak Burok==

101.8MHz: Gunung Ulu Kali (My FM)
102.1MHz: Gunung Telapak Burok
<300kHz, OK, comply with the minimum frequency separation>

102.1MHz: Gunung Telapak Burok
102.3MHz: Melaka FM Gunung Ledang
<200kHz, OK, comply with minimum frequency separation>

101.9MHz: Johor FM Gunung Pulai
102.1MHz: Gunung Telapak Burok
<200kHz, OK>

Imagine if Kool FM occupies 102.1MHz in Gunung Telapak Burok, it does not only cover Negeri Sembilan and South Klang Valley, but at least the transmission can cover some Pahang areas such as Temerloh, Mentakab, Chenor, Lanchang, Teriang, Bera, Keratong and Karak while current 101.3MHz is still unable to locate in Gunung Ulu Kali.

Due to 102.1MHz has 200kHz separation with Melaka FM 102.3MHz Gunung Ledang, FM 102.1MHz Gunung Telapak Burok transmission should not beam signal much to south direction to prevent excessive interference, but there is no problem if beam to north east direction in order to cover Central Pahang together.

FM 107.9MHz in Johor Bahru

FM 107.9MHz is currently empty in South Johor. In 2001, it was formerly used by IKIM FM in Gunung Pulai. IKIM FM changed its Johor Bahru frequency since 2002 to FM 106.2MHz. Currently there are three unoccupied frequencies in South Johor, 89.3MHz, 96.3MHz and 107.9MHz. Two frequencies FM 89.3MHz and FM 96.3MHz will be occupied by Singapore Press Holdings in Bukit Batok on December 2017.

Radio Komunitas Hang Tuah FM was formerly occupying FM 107.9MHz in Batam Indonesia, 107.9MHz was carried by Wiraga FM before 2012.

According to broadcast regulator department, FM 107.9MHz is not suitable to be used in Gunung Pulai or transmission site within Johor Bahru because this frequency is being occupied for airband in Johor Bahru airports, Singapore airports and Batam Island airports. If FM 107.9MHz is going to be used in Gunung Pulai, it can cause co-channel interference to airband. In addition, the frequency usage can cause serious incident to the aircraft, also can led aircraft passengers and crews death because of accident due to airband interference with broadcast frequency.

In my opinion, the Johor Bahru, Singapore and Batam airports should not use FM 107.9MHz for aircraft navigation to the aircraft. They should change the frequency to upper band (VHF 108.1MHz and above). MCMC, MDA, and Batam broadcast regulator should discuss about the frequency allocation of airband to prevent clashing with broadcast band.

FM 107.9MHz should be reserved for broadcasting radio stations to be occupied in Gunung Pulai for Johor Bahru due to limited frequency in Johor Bahru.

Note: Ignore the occupants of Radio Kamek on 107.9MHz for Woodlands and Pasir Gudang of JB.

Gunung Ledang RF analysis: 100.8MHz vs. 100.9MHz

One of the vacant frequency in Gunung Ledang which allocated between 100.7MHz and 101.0MHz is considered as high critical level spectrum, there are 100.8MHz and 100.9MHz. Gunung Ledang covers Melaka, North Johor, parts of Negeri Sembilan/Pahang.

Let start the RF analysis with 100.8MHz. [Power is at 1kW, with upcoming 100.9MHz]

100.6MHz: My FM Gunung Telapak Burok
100.8MHz: Gunung Ledang
<200kHz>

100.8MHz: Gunung Ledang
101.1MHz: Minnal FM Gunung Pulai
<300kHz, OK>

Double adjacent frequency
100.4MHz: Ai FM Gunung Ledang
100.6MHz: My FM Gunung Telapak Burok
100.8MHz: Gunung Ledang
<200kHz +/->


According to RF analysis of 100.8MHz Gunung Ledang above, I don't think broadcast regulator will give green light as 100.8MHz Gunung Ledang can interfere 100.6MHz Gunung Telapak Burok within coverage together with existing 100.4MHz Gunung Ledang.

Now, let's analyze 100.9MHz Gunung Ledang.

100.9MHz: Gunung Ledang
101.1MHz: Minnal FM Gunung Pulai
<200kHz, OK>

100.6MHz: My FM Gunung Telapak Burok
100.9MHz: Gunung Ledang
<300kHz, OK>

100.9MHz: Gunung Ledang
101.1MHz: My FM Bukit Pelindung
<200kHz, OK>

100.9MHz: Gunung Ledang
100.9MHz: Selangor FM Gunung Ulu Kali (Selangor and Kuala Lumpur only)
<0kHz, OK>

Among the comparison between 100.8 and 100.9MHz, it seems FM 100.9MHz is better to be used in Gunung Ledang than 100.8MHz as 100.9MHz gaps 300kHz from Telapak Burok 100.6MHz with existing 200kHz from 100.4MHz Gunung Ledang. If 100.8MHz is used in Gunung Ledang, My FM listeners in Negeri Sembilan will suffer of listening to the station on FM 100.6MHz if using cheap radio receiver.

But there is co-channel interference between Gunung Ledang FM 100.9MHz and Selangor FM 100.9MHz Gunung Ulu Kali in some areas, but outside coverage areas like Pahang (Kemayan, Teriang, Temerloh), Negeri Sembilan (Port Dickson, Rantau, Kuala Klawang).

Since Selangor FM 100.9MHz Gunung Ulu Kali covers only Selangor state, the reception in other states like Central Pahang, Negeri Sembilan and Melaka are very weak, compare to other Gunung Ulu Kali radio stations (eg: Minnal FM 96.3MHz and Ai FM 106.7MHz). In my opinion, I don't think there will have serious co-channel interference impact of these two radio stations. FM 100.9MHz Gunung Ledang is expected to be received with stable reception signal in East Negeri Sembilan (Kuala Pilah) and all Melaka areas.

Coverage of Gunung Ledang:

- Melaka: ALL

- Johor: Tangkak, Batu Pahat, Bukit Gambir, Gerisek, Panchor, Bukit Pasir, Sungai Mati, Bakri, Muar, Pagoh, Kluang, Segamat, Yong Peng, Simpang Renggam, Ayer Hitam, Parit Raja, Batu Anam, Jementah, Bekok, Labis, Chaah, Rengit, Senggarang, Seri Gading, Parit Sulong, Semerah, Parit Jawa, Jorak

- Negeri Sembilan: Tampin, Kuala Pilah, Johol, Gemencheh, Gemas, Batu Kikir, Juasseh, Bahau, Serting, Sungai Lui, Simpang Pertang, Bandar Seri Jempol, Kota

- Pahang: Kemayan, Keratong and Bandar Muadzam Shah

Digital radio broadcast in Malaysia

Recently FM radio spectrum is very limited in Peninsular Malaysia. Many new radio stations are unable to expand broadcast coverage by applying frequencies. In Europe and rest of the world, most of radio stations broadcasts digitally via famous DAB+, especially in Norway.

Norway is the first country to stop analogue FM transmission in the world. In UK, BBC runs digital only radio stations such as 1Xtra, 4Xtra, 5Xtra, 6, alongside with analogue stations.

Talk about digital radio transmission, there are few types of it, such as DAB+, mobile app, decoder and online streaming.

DAB stands for Digital Audio Broadcasting. It carries more radio stations on a frequency only than FM radio. It carries less noise from other stations. DAB+ can run single frequency network (SFN) by launching few gap filler transmitters within main transmitter coverage. In my opinion, DAB+ has its advantages and disadvantages. For Malaysia, DAB+ is still not mature here yet because most of Malaysia radio receivers don't feature DAB+ yet. In the cars, most of the stereos have no DAB+ radio, instead they only come with FM and AM band.

For Malaysians consumers, many people prefer listening to the stations via either FM radio or mobile app, even internet online streaming. In terms of transmission costs, DAB+ is more expensive than FM because it requires more transmitters, but DAB+ is very efficient of frequency usage.

For broadcasters, they need to launch more DAB+ transmitters than FM transmitters. Currently most of commercial FM radio broadcasters consists about 12-15 transmitters in Malaysia, including digital, they may need transmitters more than 20, because DAB+ coverage is not wide as FM radio. DAB+ signal drops rapidly when signal is poor, unlike FM signal drops slowly with hissing sound or interference noise from other radio stations when FM signal is poor. Imagine if Malaysia switch to DAB+ suddenly, many people will not accustom yet and they need more time to accustom with digital radio. Actually DAB+ radio receiver is more expensive than FM-AM radio.

Due to growing of online radio streaming/mobile app around the world, DAB+ is the main competitor of mobile app. Radio mobile app is low cost transmission, people will listen to their radio stations by using mobile phone.

The launching of mobile app by radio broadcasters can save more annual transmission costs to transmission service providers, rather than expanding coverage based on market values. I give an example with my favorite radio station, BFM 89.9

BFM 89.9 is English business radio station in Malaysia which broadcasts in Klang Valley, South Perak, West Pahang, parts of Negeri Sembilan, Melaka and North East Johor. Their main target area is Klang Valley, where is high business value area in Malaysia. When talking about coverage expansion, Penang is their second resort (actually I'm pending for them after making proposals). Then, Johor (JB) is their third stops, but there is no frequency because heavily occupied together with Singapore and Batam. Besides these business centric markets, other towns like Kuantan, Kelantan, Terengganu, KK and Kuching have no market values. Instead of waste transmission costs to launch frequency in non-business areas, BFM and most of radio stations launch mobile apps. People who stayed outside of these business area can listen to BFM via mobile app, even around the world.
   
Mobile app radio is very popular around the world nowadays. In Malaysia, we cannot expect every listener will tune the radio stations via mobile app because many of us still rely on FM radio to listen to stations. Listen to FM radio stations does not pay any cash to broadcasters, but listeners may need to pay their internet data when listen to mobile app radio because it relies on internet.

tunein.com is also one of mobile app radio around the world.

Rather than DAB+, most of the car audio system manufacturers never come out with DAB+ radio band, instead they add "Bluetooth" and AUX features with FM-AM radio, even Apple and Android launch their "Apple CarPlay" and "Android Auto" in the car audio system. Most of today car radio comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Smart Link. With these advance features, listeners can enjoy listening the station via mobile app without any interruptions in the car.

Some of cheaper multimedia players never feature with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, instead the audio system comes with Bluetooth. So, listeners can use mobile app to connect Bluetooth on multimedia system in the car. Next, even home HiFi or microsystem also feature with Bluetooth function.

Without Bluetooth function, mobile app radio still can be connected via AUX cable in most of older audio system.

Download mobile app radio to the smartphone is mostly free, but listen to the radio via mobile app is not fully free of charge because it requires mobile internet data, but it depends on the listeners mobile data monthly plan.

Due to popularity of mobile app radio, I suggest that telecommunications company like Maxis, DiGi, Celcom, and U Mobile should increase more data quota to fill up mobile app radio usage. Such as monthly RM38 12GB data (2GB Youtube+ 2GB Facebook+4GB data)+4GB radio app data.

DAB stands for digital audio broadcasting, we can name it in many terms.

- Terrestrial known as DAB-T+
- Digital satellite radio as DAB-S
- Digital cable radio as DAB-C
- Digital mobile app radio as "DAB-MA"
- Digital online streaming radio as "DAB-IR"

In conclusion, I think that mobile app radio is more relevant than DAB+ in Malaysia.

City Plus FM 106.0MHz transmission commentaries

City Plus FM, a Malaysia first ever Chinese business radio station officially broadcasted on 2nd May 2017 on FM 106.0MHz.

City Plus FM mainly targets large business areas such as Klang Valley as Klang Valley is Malaysia no.1 high commercial region as Kuala Lumpur is Malaysia's capital.

Regarding its transmission and coverage, it is very special and unusual. City Plus FM 106.0MHz is not transmitted from Klang Valley, but Negeri Sembilan, where Seremban frequency is distant signal (DX) in Klang Valley.

There are some listeners complaining about City Plus FM reception problem. Dear everyone, for your information, City Plus FM 106.0MHz is transmitted from Gunung Telapak Burok, where "106.0MHz" was formerly used by Red FM (Red 104.9MHz).

Red FM had Negeri Sembilan frequency 106.0MHz in the past, that makes me very impressive. I was used to listen to Red FM on 106.0MHz, but it was closed down since June 2009.

Here has Q&As about City Plus FM transmission issues as well as commentaries:

Q1: All radio stations can be heard clearly in Klang Valley, why can't City Plus FM be received clearly in Klang Valley?

A1: Originally City Plus FM attempted to locate transmitter in Gunung Ulu Kali due to its strategic site (high elevation), Gunung Ulu Kali covers Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, South Perak and West Pahang mainly, but Negeri Sembilan, Melaka and some Johor areas are able to receive from Gunung Ulu Kali signal, just weak reception. According to them, I was informed that Gunung Ulu Kali tower has no space anymore. Same goes to other radio stations like Kool FM, Bernama Radio and IM4U FM, they're forced to transmit from Bukit Sungai Besi and KL Tower for Klang Valley.

Q2: Somebody suggested that City Plus FM to increase its current transmitter 106.0MHz Gunung Telapak Burok to 5kW and 10kW, but why doesn't MCMC allow this?

A2: Until today, there are none of Gunung Telapak Burok radio stations occupying transmission power more than 2kW yet, even RTM Gunung Telapak Burok radio stations only increased from 0.1kW to 1kW since December 2009 (fully upgraded). Malaysia Communications And Multimedia Commission (MCMC) never allow any Gunung Telapak Burok radio stations to increase power beyond 2kW due to certain conditions. First condition is most of Gunung Telapak Burok radio stations have frequency separation about 200-300kHz with Gunung Ulu Kali, even City Plus FM 106.0MHz has 300kHz with Lite FM 105.7MHz Gunung Ulu Kali. According to MCMC, 400kHz frequency separation between Gunung Telapak Burok and Gunung Ulu Kali is the best. High pass filter is required if separation is below than 400kHz.

Gunung Telapak Burok does not only cover Negeri Sembilan, its transmission can be gone to Klang Valley, Melaka, Central Pahang and North Johor, even some Indonesia territories can receive from Telapak Burok.

Second condition is increasing of transmission power beyond 2kW may interfere to existing radio stations coverage. Here is the radio frequency analysis below:

105.7MHz: Lite FM Gunung Ulu Kali
106.0MHz: City Plus FM Gunung Telapak Burok
<300kHz>

106.0MHz: City Plus FM Gunung Telapak Burok
106.1MHz: Ai FM Bukit Pelindung
<100kHz>

According to RF analysis above, imagine if City Plus FM 106.0MHz occupies power beyond 2kW, it may interfere Ai FM and Lite FM within coverage areas. So, Lite FM and Ai FM listeners may face listening problems within Klang Valley and East Pahang respectively due to interference with City Plus FM within coverage areas respectively.

Third condition is about internationally transmission. If a Indonesia radio station (Pekanbaru, Dumai and surrounding areas) which locate closely to West Coast of Malaysia occupies 105.9, 106.0 or 106.1, City Plus FM 106.0 can interfere Indonesia radio stations' coverage areas.

Q3: Besides Gunung Ulu Kali, there are another lower sites which can cover Klang Valley like Bukit Sungai Besi and Kuala Lumpur Tower, why doesn't City Plus FM transmit from there?

A3: Unoccupied frequencies are very limited in Klang Valley. Although Bukit Sungai Besi and Kuala Lumpur Tower can cover Klang Valley, even reception in Kuala Lumpur is clearer than Gunung Ulu Kali due to nearer site, but Bukit Sungai Besi and Kuala Lumpur coverage are very limited.

There is FM 91.9MHz where likely can be occupied in Bukit Sungai Besi or KL Tower. In my opinion, I don't think 91.9MHz is not suitable to be located in Bukit Sungai Besi because it is very closed to Gunung Telapak Burok 91.7MHz, even Bukit Sungai Besi has no further distance from Gunung Telapak Burok. If City Plus FM occupied 91.9MHz in Bukit Sungai Besi, it will be interfered by 91.7MHz Telapak Burok in some Klang Valley areas itself.

FM 91.9MHz is more suitable to be located in KL Tower, but as today, none of commercial radio stations even IM4UFM located transmitters in KL Tower because of its reception quality in outskirt of KL. Plus, KL Tower is owned by RTM.

I speculated City Plus FM uses Gunung Telapak Burok 106.0MHz, instead of Bukit Sungai Besi because they are seeking for wider coverage areas, instead of clearer reception by using nonstrategic locations like Bukit Sungai Besi that I mentioned above.

Bukit Sungai Besi and Kuala Lumpur Tower can be received in Klang Valley and Nilai of Negeri Sembilan only, but Gunung Telapak Burok can be received in Negeri Sembilan, Klang Valley (southern part is clear), Melaka, North Johor (only Tangkak, Muar and Segamat), as well as Central Pahang.

If Gunung Ulu Kali tower still has space, City Plus FM transmit there on FM 106.1MHz to cover Klang Valley, Negeri Sembilan, South Perak, West Pahang, parts of Melaka and some Johor areas.

In conclusion, hereby I only voice out my comments and opinions, but MCMC is the key regulator to manage the spectrum allocation.

解答City Plus FM巴生谷, 森美蘭頻率FM 106MHz的收線和發射素質

馬來西亞首家財經電台City Plus FM在2017年5月2日正式啟播, 在巴生谷, 森美蘭, 馬六甲, 柔佛東北部和彭亨中部的頻率為FM 106.0MHz..

節目方面, 我個人不會在這兒說出任何意見因為這個部落格是主要談到廣播技術事宜.
 
City Plus FM主要鎖定的地區是大城市,和財經商業地區... 巴生河流域是他們的主要鎖定地區因為此地區是馬來西亞國內企業公司佔第一的區域.

基本上, 我們以為City Plus FM在巴生谷的收聽頻道會跟其他電台如one FM 88.1MHz, My FM 101.8MHz, Ai FM 106.7MHz, 988 FM 98.8MHz, Melody FM 103.0MHz這麼清楚. 其實City Plus FM 106.0MHz在巴生谷的收線素質不像其他電台這麼理想..

據了解, City Plus FM 106.0MHz的發射地點不是跟My FM 101.8MHz一樣, 但City Plus FM 106.0MHz是跟My FM森美蘭頻率100.6MHz的發射地點一樣.

City Plus FM剛剛啟播, 我也追蹤它的臉書專頁, 同時發現到有些網友對City Plus FM 106.0MHz的線路感到超級不滿意...

City Plus FM 106.0MHz是從森美蘭Gunung Telapak Burok發射, 但主要覆蓋範圍是在森美蘭 (除了淡邊), 巴生谷南部和馬六甲西部.

這兒會有Q&A:

Q1: 為甚麼City Plus FM巴生谷頻率是在森美蘭發射, 而不是雪蘭莪/吉隆坡境內的發射站?

A1: 巴生谷電台主要發射站是坐落在彭亨雲頂高原的Gunung Ulu Kali, 是中馬區域最戰略的發射站, 因為高度有1774米. Gunung Ulu Kali是中馬區域最高的山峰, 覆蓋了不少地區. Gunung Ulu Kali主要的覆蓋地區有吉隆坡, 雪蘭莪, 霹靂南部, 與彭亨中西部. 森美蘭, 馬六甲部分地區, 柔佛東北部分地區還是可以收到Gunung Ulu Kali的訊號. City Plus FM無法在Gunung Ulu Kali設有頻道來覆蓋巴生谷因為發射塔空間不足, 雖然空缺頻率還是存在的. Gunung Ulu Kali這麼戰略的發射地點, 是廣播者最想要使用的地區.

除了City Plus FM, 馬來西亞還有幾家電台也面對以上的問題, 如首要媒體的Kool FM, 馬新社電台FM 93.9MHz和一個馬來西亞青年志願團IM4U FM 107.9MHz. 兩年前, 我曾經跟馬來西亞多媒體委員會其中一個官員討論, 談為何當時的Ultra FM 101.3MHz (現在為Kool FM), Bernama Radio 93.9MHz和IM4U FM 107.9Mhz不是在Gunung Ulu Kali發射. 然後他說Gunung Ulu Kali發射塔沒有空間, 發射塔已經無法支援新發射器. 之後, 我建議這三家電台在Bukit Cincin發射, 他說廣播者不喜歡在Bukit Cincin發射, 主要原因是發射塔是屬於Celcom天地通. 加上Celcom已經沒有提供廣播傳輸服務. 馬來西亞伊斯蘭研究所電台Ikim FM巴生谷頻率91.5之前在Bukit Cincin發射, 過去幾年Ikim FM聽眾面對收聽問題, 有時發射出問題, 除了91.5之外, Ikim FM北馬頻率89.0MHz之前也長期面臨發射問題. 自從2016年6月初, Ikim FM的頻率發射服務都轉向馬電訊TM, 意思指Ikim FM使用TM的發射塔.

Q2: 有人建議City Plus FM把Gunung Telapak Burok 106.0MHz的發射功率增加至5kW和10kW, 但是為甚麼MCMC馬來西亞多媒體委員會不允許這麼做呢?

A2:目前沒有任何一家電台在Gunung Telapak Burok的發射功率是超過2kW. MCMC不允許任何電台在Gunung Telapak Burok的發射功率超過2kW因為會導致對其他電台干擾. 實際上Gunung Telapak Burok和Gunung Ulu Kali的頻率距離必須至少400kHz會比較好, 但是大部分的電台的距離依然200kHz,和300kHz. 想下, 如果City Plus FM的Gunung Telapak Burok頻率106.0Mhz是5kW或10kW, 這可以對其他電台產生嚴重干擾, 除非對方安裝高通過濾器 (high pass filter).

Gunung Telapak Burok的發射除了可以到馬六甲, 柔佛北部, 彭亨中部和巴生谷之外, 也可以到印尼部分地區...

==頻率分析==

105.7MHz: Lite FM Gunung Ulu Kali
106.0MHz: City Plus FM Gunung Telapak Burok (5或10kW)
<300kHz>

106.0MHz: City Plus FM Gunung Telapak Burok (5或10kW)
106.1MHz: 愛FM Bukit Pelindung
<100kHz>

以上的頻率分析, 如果City Plus FM使用功率超過2kW, Lite FM 105.7MHz和愛FM 106.1MHz會在各自的覆蓋範圍內受到干擾. 這意味著對方的聽眾在覆蓋範圍內收聽電台時因為受到干擾而面臨收聽問題..

Q3: 除了Gunung Ulu Kali之外, 巴生谷境內還有兩個發射站Bukit Sungai Besi和吉隆坡塔, 為何City Plus FM不適用這些地區發射呢?

A3: 雖然Bukit Sungai Besi或吉隆坡塔可以覆蓋巴生谷, 甚至在吉隆坡境內的收線素質超越Gunung Ulu Kali, 但是覆蓋範圍依然有限制, 然後不比Gunung Ulu Kali發射範圍來得大. 實際上, Bukit Sungai Besi或吉隆坡塔的頻率依然有限.

如果City Plus FM在巴生谷境內的發射站開設FM 91.9MHz, Bukit Sungai Besi不是很適合91.9MHz因為太靠近91.7MHz Gunung Telapak Burok. Bukit Sungai Besi離Gunung Telapak Burok不會很遠, 就算91.9Mhz可以通過, 但是City Plus FM 91.9MHz Bukit Sungai Besi或KL Tower 還是依然會在巴生谷一些地區自己受到91.7的干擾

目前沒有任何私營廣播者在KL Tower有頻率.. KL Tower可說是屬於RTM的, 在吉隆坡以外的地區收線素質未必好. 比如我在巴生谷境內 (吉隆坡以外)聽Traxx FM 90.3MHz [雪蘭莪沙亞南, 蒲種, 巴生], 線路未必清楚, 但是100.1MHz Gunung Ulu Kali在這兒很清楚.

 

 

如果Gunung Ulu Kali 發射塔還有空間, City Plus FM可以在那兒發射... 可以用FM 106.1MHz覆蓋巴生谷, 霹靂南部, 彭亨中西部, 森美蘭, 和馬六甲部分地區....

Bukit Larut vs. Medan RF analysis

Bukit Larut vs. Medan (co-channel)

Analogue TV
CH31: NTV7 Bukit Larut and Global TV Medan
CH41: TV3 Bukit Larut and Trans7 TV Medan
CH47: TV2 Bukit Larut and TVRI Medan

Radio:

FM 101.0MHz: 988 Bukit Larut and Binuang FM Medan
FM 93.2MHz: City Plus FM Bukit Larut and JFM Medan (my proposal)**

**Purposely beam to Penang direction.