Prasar Bharati has announced the commencement of its 88th e-auction process aimed at allocating vacant MPEG-4 slots on DD Free Dish, India’s largest free-to-air Direct-to-Home (DTH) platform. This initiative is geared towards further expanding the platform’s content diversity and reach, specifically catering to audiences utilizing MPEG-4 compatible set-top boxes.
According to an official communication from Prasar Bharati dated May 28, 2025, the e-auction seeks to fill available MPEG-4 slots and invites participation from eligible broadcasters whose television channels are licensed by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB). The eligibility criteria specify that only non-news channels in Standard Definition (SD) format, uplinked from India, can participate. These channels can belong to various genres, including general entertainment, music, and devotional content.
The auction will be conducted online under the direct supervision of Prasar Bharati, following the policy guidelines issued on January 15, 2019. The reserve price for each MPEG-4 slot is set at ₹5 lakh per month, with the slot tenure valid until March 31, 2026, unless any policy revisions occur prior to that date.
Broadcasters intending to participate are required to submit an Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) of ₹1.50 lakh via a Demand Draft, along with a non-refundable processing fee of ₹25,000. All applications, accompanied by the necessary documentation, should be addressed to the Deputy Director General (Policy), Prasar Bharati Secretariat, New Delhi.
These MPEG-4 slots are specifically accessible to the growing number of DD Free Dish viewers who use MPEG-4 set-top boxes, estimated to be over 50 million. The addition of new channels through this auction is expected to not only diversify the platform’s content offerings but also significantly enhance the viewing experience for millions of households, particularly in rural and remote areas where DD Free Dish serves as a primary source of television entertainment and information.
Through this transparent and technology-driven e-auction model, Prasar Bharati continues to reinforce its commitment to providing free and inclusive content to the public, while simultaneously enabling broader broadcasting opportunities and supporting India’s dynamic media and entertainment ecosystem.
Interested broadcasters are advised to consult the official Prasar Bharati website for detailed information regarding the final cut-off date for submissions and additional procedural guidelines.
Summary:-
- Prasar Bharati has announced its 88th e-auction for vacant MPEG-4 slots on DD Free Dish.
- Only non-news SD channels uplinked from India and licensed by the MIB are eligible to participate.
- The reserve price per MPEG-4 slot is ₹5 lakh per month, with a tenure up to March 31, 2026.
- This move aims to expand DD Free Dish’s content offerings for its MPEG-4 set-top box users, enhancing viewing experiences, especially in rural areas.