10 hours Ago
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on Friday released a series of recommendations overhauling the broadcasting framework including need for interoperable set-to-boxes, voluntary sharing of infrastructure and dropping minimum network requirement for internet protocol TV service providers. These are part of its recommendations for framework for Service Authorisations for broadcasting services under the Telecommunication Act 2023. The regulator also reiterated its earlier recommendation on slashing the authorisation fee, known as license fee, for Direct-to-Home operators to 3 per cent of Adjusted Gross Revenue from the current levels of 8 per cent and should be reduced by zero by FY27 end.
The recommended authorisations for broadcasting services include those for TV channel, news agency for TV channels, Teleport/Teleport Hub, Uplinking of Live event or footage by Foreign Channel/News Agency, Direct to Home (DTH) Service, Head End in the Sky (HITS) Service, Terrestrial Radio Service, Community Radio Stations and Low Power Small Range Radio Service. The regulator stated that broadcasting service authorisations will be granted under the provisions of the Telecommunications Act, 2023 which replaces the Telegraph Act. “The recommendations aim to promote growth and enhance ease of doing business in the sector,” it added.
“The recommended authorisation framework provides for two distinct sets of terms and conditions, the first set, for the applicant entity intending to obtain authorisation for broadcasting services; and the second set, is to comply with by the authorised entity for service provisioning during the period of authorisation,” it added. It said it has recommended that ‘Grant of Service Authorisations’ be harmonized for similar services and covers eligibility criteria, application process and other relevant details/information required by an applicant entity before applying for service authorisation. “Migration of existing licensee or permission holder to new authorisation regime shall be voluntary, till the expiry of their license/permission.
Further, no processing fee or entry fee will be required for migration, in case of broadcasting services. However, the validity period of the respective service authorisation should be from the effective date of migration to the authorisation regime, irrespective of the validity period of existing license/permission,” it added. It has also recommended the addition of new services including ‘Ground-based Broadcasting of a Television Channel’ and ‘Low Power Small Range Radio Service’.
“To protect the interests of service providers, it has been recommended that amendments to terms and conditions of service authorisations (except for reasons of National Security) shall require TRAI’s recommendations,” it added. On Infrastructure sharing, the regulator has said that it should be allowed on a voluntary basis, among broadcasting service providers as well as with the telecom service providers wherever technically and commercially feasible. It has also said that players should endeavour to adopt interoperable set-top boxes to enhance consumer choice.
It has also set the minimum net worth requirement of Rs. 100 crore for the Internet Service Providers to provide IPTV Service should be removed. Comments.
