Neha BaruahThe Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has introduced a modernised framework for broadcasting services under the Telecommunications Act, 2023. Announced on February 21, 2025, this initiative seeks to streamline authorisation processes and reduce regulatory complexities within the broadcasting sector.
Major Recommendations of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India
- IPTV Regulations: The framework removes the ₹100 crore net worth requirement for Internet Service Providers (ISPs) offering Internet Protocol Television (IPTV), aligning it with existing internet service authorisation norms.
- Radio Broadcasting: TRAI recommends a technology-agnostic approach, facilitating the adoption of digital radio technologies.
Service Authorisation Structure
The new framework differentiates between two primary regulatory sets:
- The Broadcasting (Grant of Service Authorisations) Rules
- The Broadcasting (Television Channel Broadcasting, Television Channel Distribution, and Radio Broadcasting) Services Rules
Service authorisations will be issued under Section 3(1)(a) of the Telecommunications Act, ensuring uniform terms for similar broadcasting services.
Migration and Validity of Authorisations
- Existing licensees can voluntarily migrate to the new framework without paying processing or entry fees.
- The validity period of new authorisations will begin from the date of migration, irrespective of current licence durations.
Financial Revisions
- Lower Authorisation Fees: For Direct-To-Home (DTH) services, fees will be reduced to 3% of Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR), with plans to eliminate them by FY27.
- Reduced Bank Guarantees: The requirement for Headend-in-the-Sky (HITS) services will drop from ₹40 crore to ₹5 crore for the entire validity period.
New Broadcasting Categories
TRAI has introduced additional service categories:
- Ground-based Broadcasting of a Television Channel
- Low Power Small Range Radio Service
These additions are aimed at expanding broadcasting options and improving service delivery.
Interoperability & Infrastructure Sharing
- TRAI promotes the use of interoperable set-top boxes (STBs), allowing consumers to switch service providers without replacing their equipment.
- Voluntary infrastructure sharing between broadcasting and telecom service providers is encouraged wherever feasible.
Future Developments
- TRAI plans a separate consultation on integrating over-the-top (OTT) platforms into the authorisation framework to maintain regulatory balance between OTT and traditional broadcasting services.
Regulatory Supervision
TRAI retains oversight on any modifications to service authorisation terms, except in matters related to national security, ensuring regulatory stability and safeguarding service providers’ interests.
This framework marks a significant step towards a more efficient and consumer-friendly broadcasting ecosystem in India.
Neha Baruah
