TRAI releases recommendations for new broadcasting services Act
The Hindu
TRAI recommends new framework for broadcasting services, including removal of net worth requirement and technology agnostic terms for radio.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on Friday (February 21, 2025) released its recommendations for the Framework for Service Authorisations for provision of Broadcasting Services under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
The recommendations include a proposal to remove the minimum net worth requirement of ₹100 crore for the Internet service providers to offer IPTV service and its alignment with the provisions contained in the authorisation for Internet Services to be issued by the Department of Telecom.
“Terms and conditions for Radio Broadcasting Service have been made technology agnostic enabling adoption of digital technology. Service authorisation for ‘Terrestrial Radio Service’ should be delinked from frequency assignment and the auction of spectrum for frequency assignment for Terrestrial Radio Service shall be done separately...,” said the TRAI.
It also suggested that the Information & Broadcasting Ministry should prescribe separate Programme Code and Advertisement Code for radio broadcasting service providers.
As per the existing guidelines for various broadcasting services, licences/permissions/registrations are given by the I&B Ministry under the Indian Telegraph Act, for provision of broadcasting services. They include TV channel uplinking/downlinking (including Teleport), FM Radio, community radio stations, Digital Satellite News Gathering/Satellite News Gathering, Direct-To-Home, Headend-In-The-Sky, and IPTV services.
The government has notified the Telecommunications Act (2023), which repeals the Indian Telegraph Act, but the appointed date for various sections of the new Act is yet to be notified. The Ministry, through a letter dated July 25, 2024, sought suggestions from TRAI on the terms and conditions in this regard. On October 30, 2024, the Authority initiated a consultation process by releasing a consultation paper and also held an open-house discussion on December 18, 2024.
Based on the inputs and previous relevant recommendations, TRAI restructured the terms and conditions, aimed at “promoting growth and enhance ease of doing business in the sector”.
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