The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has begun a consultation process on the regulatory framework for terrestrial TV broadcasting, inviting comments from stakeholders on a framework to allow broadcasters to deliver television channels through terrestrial means. The consultation paper, titled “Regulatory Framework for Ground-based Broadcasters,” is now available on TRAI’s website, as noted in a press release by the Press Information Bureau (PIB).
Currently, broadcasters are required to use satellites for uplinking and downlinking TV channels to Distribution Platform Operators (DPOs) as per the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) guidelines. However, with recent technological advancements, broadcasters are now capable of delivering channels via terrestrial transmission, similar to satellite-based broadcasting. These terrestrial channels can also be carried by multiple DPO networks and retransmitted to subscribers.
In November 2014, TRAI had provided recommendations to MIB on a regulatory framework for platform services, which included aspects related to ground-based broadcasting. However, with MIB issuing guidelines for platform services in November 2022, the ministry requested a fresh review of TRAI’s earlier recommendations, recognizing changes in the broadcasting landscape.
TRAI is now seeking feedback from stakeholders, with the deadline for submissions set for November 15, 2024, and counter-comments due by November 29, 2024.
Key Highlights:
- TRAI has issued a consultation paper on the regulatory framework for terrestrial TV broadcasting.
- Stakeholders have been invited to submit comments by November 15, 2024, and counter-comments by November 29, 2024.
- Technological advancements have enabled broadcasters to deliver channels terrestrially, alongside traditional satellite-based methods.
- The fresh consultation comes in light of changing broadcasting contexts since TRAI’s recommendations in 2014.