In a significant development for India’s free-to-air (FTA) television landscape, the 86th online e-auction for MPEG-4 slots on DD Free Dish has concluded with 26 channels successfully securing slots. This e-auction, conducted by Prasar Bharati, aimed to allocate vacant MPEG-4 and HD slots on the DD Free Dish platform for the period from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026.
The e-auction was held on March 4, 2025, following an invitation for applications by Prasar Bharati. The process allowed both domestic and international public broadcasters to participate, provided they met specific eligibility criteria.
To participate, channels were required to submit various documents, including downlinking and uplinking permissions from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, proof of participation fees, and genre and language classification documents.
The addition of these 26 channels will enhance the viewing experience for DD Free Dish subscribers, offering a broader range of content options. This expansion reflects Prasar Bharati’s ongoing efforts to enrich the platform’s offerings and cater to diverse viewer preferences.
The successful allocation of MPEG-4 slots in the 86th e-auction marks a significant milestone for DD Free Dish. By incorporating more channels, the platform continues to strengthen its position as a leading FTA service in India, providing viewers with increased access to a variety of programming.
Key Highlights:
- 26 channels secure slots in DD Free Dish‘s 86th online MPEG-4 e-auction.
- The e-auction was conducted on March 4, 2025, for slots from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026.
- Channels were required to meet specific eligibility criteria, including downlinking permissions and participation fees.
- The addition of these channels will enhance content diversity for DD Free Dish viewers.