The ABA is expected to extend the time limit for 5CS Spencer Gulf North to switch to a new FM frequency. The ABA proposes a variation to the region’s LAP which will allow 5CS until 30 September 2003 to switch frequency from AM 1044 to FM 105.9.

5CS was required to change frequency by December 2002, but due to difficulties experienced in meeting its obligation, 5CS has requested more time to implement its FM service.

The ABA determined the Spencer Gulf North licence area plan in December 2001. In the plan the ABA aggregated the 5CS Port Pirie and 5AU Port Augusta commercial radio licence areas to form a new commercial radio licence area for the Spencer Gulf region.

The ABA determined that 5CS would operate on 105.9 MHz to serve the entire Spencer Gulf North area while 5AU would operate on 1242 kHz to serve the Port Augusta/Whyalla area and on 5CS’s AM frequency, 1044 kHz, to serve the Port Pirie/Whyalla area.

The closing date for submissions on the proposal to vary the Licence Area Plan must reach the ABA by 6 June 2003.