Location correction factor for coverage planning tools for DRM (Digital Radio Mondiale) in the 26 MHz band

Abstract

DRM (Digital Radio Mondiale) is the only digital radio system standardized for the high frequency bands. The traditional application of these bands is the broadcasting service by means of the ionospheric propagation to cover large areas at long distances. However, the 26 MHz band is nowadays scarcely used because it presents worse ionospheric propagation conditions than the lower frequencies, partially due to the 11 year period sunspot cycle. Nevertheless, some companies and research institutions have tested the possibility of using the DRM standard in these frequencies for local broadcasting due to the potential of this band for tropospheric (line of sight) propagation. New planning tools must be developed for this new application of the DRM future networks. This paper studies the signal spatial variability, an important parameter needed in the coverage prediction planning tools.