Category: TRAI

TRAI issues consultation paper on ‘Reserve Prices for Auction of FM Radio Channels’

Mumbai: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued a consultation paper concerning the “Reserve Prices for Auction of FM Radio Channels.” On 19 March 2024, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) requested TRAI’s recommendations on setting reserve prices for the auction of FM radio channels in 18 cities/towns across Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, aiming to expand Private FM Radio.

In this context, the MIB has introduced a new category ‘E’ for these cities. It is proposed that the technical parameters applicable to category ‘D’ cities, except for Effective Radiated Power (ERP), will be applicable to category ‘E’ cities as well.

The proposed ERP for Category ‘E’ is set between 750 Watts and 1 Kilowatt. Additionally, the MIB has sought TRAI’s recommendations for reserve prices in the cities of Bilaspur (Chhattisgarh), Rourkela (Odisha), and Rudrapur (Uttarakhand).

This consultation paper is designed to gather comments and views from stakeholders on determining reserve prices for the auction of FM radio channels under the FM Phase-III Policy. Stakeholders are invited to submit their written comments on the consultation paper by 29 August 2024, with counter-comments due by 12 September 2024.

August 2, 2024
TRAI releases consultation paper on ‘Framework for Service Authorisations’

Mumbai: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released a consultation paper on the ‘Framework for the Service Authorisations to be Granted Under the Telecommunications Act, 2023′. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) through a letter dated 21 June 2024 informed TRAI that the Telecommunications Act, 2023 has been published in the Official Gazette of India; Section 3(1)(a) of the Act provides for obtaining an authorisation by any entity/ person intending to provide telecommunication services, subject to such terms and conditions, including fees or charges, as may be prescribed. DoT also shared a background note on related aspects in this regard, including relevant sections of the new Act that may have a bearing on the terms and conditions of authorisations.

DoT through the said letter dated 21 June 2024, under Section 11(1)(a) of the TRAI Act, 1997 (as amended), requested TRAI to provide its recommendations on terms and conditions, including fees or charges, for authorisation to provide telecommunication services as per the provisions of the Telecommunications Act 2023.

Written comments on the issues raised in the consultation paper are invited from stakeholders by 1 August 2024 and counter-comments by 8 August 2024, respectively.

July 15, 2024
TRAI’s DD FreeDish recommendations draw industry flak

Mumbai: Industry watchdog – the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) – has bowled another bouncer at the Indian broadcasting sector by recommending tight – and many say impossible deadlines – deadlines for the Prasar Bharti owned DTH operator DD FreeDish.

In its latest round of recommendations, the TRAI has asked it to stop selling non-addressable set top boxes for DD FreeDish by 1 January 2025. The public service broadcaster has been selling these for more than a decade and more than 45 million homes have them. The regulator has advised DD FreeDish to replace them with indigenously-developed STBs and addressability built in by an organisation such as C-DoT. An additional caveat that has been mentioned is that the boxes should be inter-operable with those of other cable TV netwoks and DTH platforms. It has stated that even private cable TV networks and DTH operators should also take the inter-operable STB route.

The authority has also asked it to start encrypting all private channels on its platform by 1 April 2025, followed by all DD, education, and radio channels within four years.

“This is madness,” said a senior legal counsel at a major broadcasting network. “Does the TRAI know what it is doing? Where are the chips available? The circuits? And inter-operability – which developed market has inter-operable STBs between cable TV and DTH? Each player has his own CAS? I am sure this is going to be challenged very shortly. “

Another broadcasting executive added: “The recommendations make it appear as if the TRAI wanted to placate the DPOs who have been demanding a level playing field between DD and the encrypted platforms. Please check whether DD and Prasar Bharti expected things to go in the direction that TRAI has said. I don’t expect the recommendations to be implemented in my lifetime.”

(Indiantelevision.com had managed to get only the private sector’s viewpoint and had not managed to get through to either TRAI or Prasar Bharti at the time of writing.)

July 9, 2024
TRAI notifies amendments to regulatory framework for broadcasting and cable services and releases

Mumbai: Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable) Services (Eighth) (Addressable Systems) Tariff (Fourth Amendment) Order, 2024 (1 of 2024); Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable) Services Interconnection (Addressable Systems) (Sixth Amendment) Regulations, 2024 (4 of 2024); the Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable) Services Standards of Quality of Service and Consumer Protection (Addressable Systems) (Fourth Amendment) Regulations, 2024 (3 of 2024) and also recommendations to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) on ‘Listing of channels in Electronic Programme Guide and Upgrading DD Free Dish platform to an Addressable System’. These amendments, except for a few clauses, shall come into force after 90 days from the date of its publication in the official gazette.

In consonance with the complete digitization of the cable TV sector, TRAI on 3 March 2017 had notified the Regulatory Framework for Broadcasting and Cable services. The framework was further tuned to the need of the broadcasting ecosystem and to address the concerns of stakeholders through amendments issued in 2020 and 2022.

The stakeholders namely, broadcasters, MSOs, DTH operators and LCOs had taken up further issues for the consideration of the Authority from time to time.

To address such issues, the Authority issued a consultation paper on “Review of Regulatory Framework for Broadcasting and Cable services” on 8 August 2023 seeking stakeholders’ comments.

The consultation paper sought comments and suggestions from various stakeholders, on several issues which included Network Capacity Fee (NCF), discount limit on sum of MRP of a-la-carte channels for fixing MRP of bouquets by the distributors of TV channels (Distribution Platform Operators-DPOs), equivalence of an HD channel in terms of SD channels for capacity calculations, mandatory FTA News Channels in all packs formed by the DPOs, level playing field with DD Free Dish, amendment to Reference Interconnect Offer, listing of channels in Electronic Programme Guide (EPG), revenue share between MSO and LCO, carriage fee, removal of channels after expiry of existing interconnection agreement, issues related to billing cycle, regulation of platform service channels, review of prescribed charges, consumer corner, establishment of websites by DPOs, manual of practice, etc.

The Authority analysed the comments of the stakeholders and the discussion held during the open house discussion and noted the level of competition in the market due to the presence of multiple Broadcasters, DPOs (MSO/DTH/HITS/IPTV) and LCOs. Accordingly, there is a need to provide flexibility to the service providers for enabling them to adopt to the dynamic market conditions while at the same time safeguarding the interest of consumers and small players through transparency, accountability and equitability.

Based on the above considerations, TRAI has notified the amendments to Tariff Order 2017, Interconnection Regulations 2017 and QoS Regulation 2017. The primary objective of these amendments includes the following:

a Facilitate growth of the broadcasting sector by reducing regulatory mandates and compliance requirements.

b Provide flexibility to the service providers to adopt a market driven approach while safeguarding the interest of the consumers and small players through transparency, accountability and equitability.

c Promoting ease of doing business by simplifying the regulatory provisions.

The salient features of these amendments include the following:

A. Tariff Order

i Ceilings of Rs 130 for 200 channels and Rs 160 on more than 200 channels have been removed on Network Capacity Fee (NCF) and is kept under forbearance to make it market driven as well as equitable. Service provider may now charge different NCF based on number of channels, different regions, different customer classes or any combination thereof. To ensure transparency, all such charges have to be mandatorily published by the service providers and communicated to the consumers besides reporting to the TRAI.

ii DPOs have now been permitted to offer discount up to 45% while forming their bouquets to enable flexibility for them in forming bouquets and to offer attractive deals to the consumers. Earlier this discount was permitted only up to 15%.

iii A pay channel available at no subscription fee on the DTH platform of the public service broadcaster has to be declared free-to-air by the broadcaster of the channel for all the addressable distribution platforms also so as to have a level-playing field.

iv DPOs have been mandated to declare tariff of their platform services.

B. Interconnection Regulations

i With the proliferation of HD television sets and to encourage transmission of high-definition content, distinction between HD and SD channels has been removed for the purpose of carriage fee.

ii Carriage fee regime simplified and made technology neutral by prescribing only single ceiling for carriage fee, thereby, providing the DPOs with the option to charge a lesser carriage fee as deemed appropriate.

iii The above measures are expected to not only simplify the offerings of the service providers to the consumers but also promote the availability of high-quality channels.

C. QoS Regulations

i Charges for services like installation and activation, visiting, relocation and temporary suspension which were prescribed earlier under regulation have now been kept under forbearance. DPOs have to publish the charges of their services for clarity and transparency to consumers.

ii Relaxation of certain regulatory compliances for small DPOs.

iii Duration/Term/Validity of all prepaid subscriptions to be specified in number of days only for greater clarity to the consumers.

iv DPOs may display Distributor Retail Price (DRP) in the electronic programme guide (EPG) along with MRP for channels.

v DPOs to categorise platform service channels under the genre ‘Platform Services’ in the EPG.

vi DPOs to display respective MRP of the platform service channel in the EPG against each platform service to ensure transparency.

vii DPOs provide an option of activation/deactivation of any platform service.

D. Financial disincentives have been introduced for contravention to provisions of the Tariff Order and certain other provisions of Interconnection Regulation and QoS Regulation to ensure accountability of service providers.

E. Service providers publish all the information related to tariff and other charges which have now been kept under forbearance, on their websites. Moreover, they need to communicate the tariff and other charges to the subscribers, pertaining to the plans being subscribed.

Further, the Authority also issued recommendations to MIB on certain issues covered in the consultation process. These issues include ‘Listing of channels in Electronic Programme Guide’ and transition of ‘DD Free Dish’ to an addressable system. The salient features of these recommendations are as follows:

A. Listing of channels in EPG:

While giving permission to each channel, MIB to seek information from broadcasters about primary language of each channel and sub-Genre of every non-news channel as per Interconnection Regulation 2017 and display the same on Broadcast Seva portal of MIB to enable DPOs to place the channel at appropriate place in the EPG for easy navigation by the consumers, in accordance with the present regulation.

B. Upgradation of DD Free Dish platform to an Addressable System:

i In order to ensure quality of viewing experience, prevent unauthorized re-transmission of television channels to combat piracy and maintain the record of subscribers, Prasar Bharati to take steps to convert DD Free Dish platform from a non-addressable system to an addressable system and make a beginning by encrypting the signals of private satellite television channels at DD Free Dish head end before uplinking. Subsequently, all other channels of DD Free Dish may also be transmitted in encrypted form.

ii Public service broadcasters will be provided with the requisite exemptions of TRAI Regulations, once such notification is issued by MIB.

iii Prasar Bharati may utilize indigenous technologies for Conditional Access System (CAS), Subscriber Management System (SMS) and interoperable Set Top Boxes (STBs).

iv Prasar Bharati should adopt interoperable STBs for DD Free Dish to act as catalyst for transitioning the entire ecosystem from operator-based STBs to interoperable STBs to empower consumers’ choice. This will eliminate the need for changing STBs every time the service provider is changed.

v A roadmap for transition of DD Free Dish from non-addressable to addressable platform along with authorizing manufacturers and distributors by Prasar Bharati for sales and aftersales service of STBs, has been suggested to MIB.

vi MIB may direct private DPOs to adopt and implement interoperable STBs.

TRAI in the present amendments, addressed those issues which were covered in the consultation paper dated 8 August 2023. However, during the consultation process for these amendments, certain other issues were also raised by various stakeholders which need to undergo a detailed consultation process for the consideration of TRAI. These issues and suggestions have been noted and TRAI will come out with a comprehensive consultation paper shortly to address the relevant issues.

July 9, 2024
Union government issues new rules under Telecommunication Act 2023

Mumbai: The Union government has issued new rules under the Telecommunication Act 2023, specifying that only a secretary to the government or officials of equivalent rank are eligible to be the chairman of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).

An official stated, “Section 59(b) of the Act amends section 4 of the TRAI Act 1997, detailing the criteria for appointing the Chairperson and Members of TRAI.”

The government, last month, implemented certain sections of the Act starting from 26 June. These include a rule allowing the government to assume control and management of any or all telecommunication services or networks in the interest of national security, friendly relations with foreign states, or during wartime.

“The Central Government has appointed June 26, 2024, as the date for the enforcement of Sections 1, 2, 10 to 30, 42 to 44, 46, 47, 50 to 58, 61, and 62 of the Telecommunications Act, 2023 (44 of 2023),” stated the notification last month.

Since 5 July, some rules under these sections have been effective including the criteria for appointing the chairperson and members of TRAI.

The new rule restricts sector experts with professional experience in telecommunications, industry, finance, accountancy, law, etc., from becoming the TRAI Chairperson. The new act states, “A person who is or has been in government service shall not be appointed as Chairperson unless they have held the post of Secretary to the Government of India or an equivalent position in the central or state government.”

Other features of the sections effective from 5 July include the optimal utilisation of spectrum. The Act provides a legal framework for efficient use of scarce spectrum through secondary assignment, sharing, trading, leasing, and surrender of spectrum. It allows the spectrum to be used in a flexible, liberalised, and technologically neutral manner and empowers the Central Government to establish an enforcement and monitoring mechanism.

Also there is a prohibition on using equipment that blocks telecommunications unless permitted by the central government.

July 8, 2024
National Broadcast Policy 2024 unveils blueprint for broadcasting sector advancement

Mumbai: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has recently put forth recommendations for shaping the ‘National Broadcasting Policy-2024’ aimed at establishing a robust broadcasting ecosystem. The policy sets out a comprehensive roadmap for the next decade, with a focused strategy for the upcoming five years.

The policy seeks to promote resilient, adaptable, and technologically agile infrastructure that encourages research and development, technological innovation, and local manufacturing. It also strives to create a fair competitive environment, enhance ease of doing business and drive economic growth by ensuring widespread access to broadcasting services.

“The National Broadcasting Policy-2024 aims to build a strong broadcasting ecosystem by fostering growth-oriented policies and regulations supported by data-driven governance,” stated TRAI.

One of the key goals is to position India as a global ‘Uplinking Hub’ for television channels, attracting investments, generating employment and promoting skill development. Additionally, the policy focuses on fostering quality content production and distribution across television, radio, and OTT platforms, while promoting Indian content both domestically and internationally.

In July 2023, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) requested TRAI’s insights under Section 11 of the TRAI Act, 1997, to aid in formulating this policy. Following a preliminary consultation paper in September 2023, TRAI released the formal consultation paper on ‘Inputs for formulation of National Broadcasting Policy-2024’ on 2 April. Feedback was gathered from 42 stakeholders, including service providers, organizations, industry associations, consumer advocacy groups and individuals.

Indiantelevision.com reached out to Media Care Brand Solutions director Yasin Hamidani where he provided his perspective on the policy.

He stated that, “The National Broadcasting Policy 2024, with TRAI’s recommendations for a transparent and credible audience measurement and rating system for television, radio, and OTT services, offers several significant advantages. On the positive side, this initiative will enhance the accuracy and reliability of audience data, fostering trust among broadcasters, advertisers, and consumers.

A transparent system will enable fair competition, encouraging innovation and quality content creation tailored to audience preferences. It will also ensure that smaller and emerging players have a fair chance to compete, potentially diversifying the media landscape.

However, there are potential challenges to consider. Implementing a new measurement system requires substantial investment in technology and infrastructure, which could be a financial burden for some stakeholders. Additionally, there is a risk of resistance from established players accustomed to the existing system. Ensuring the security and privacy of audience data is another critical concern, as any breaches could undermine trust in the system.

Despite these challenges, the overall impact of the NBP 2024 is poised to be transformative, driving the broadcasting sector towards greater accountability, inclusivity, and alignment with evolving technological advancements,” he concluded.

June 21, 2024
TRAI releases telecom subscription data

Mumbai: A million subscribers submitted their requests for Mobile Number Portability (MNP). With this, the cumulative MNP requests increased from 962.53 million at the end of March 24 to 973.60 million at the end of April 24, since the implementation of MNP. The number of active wireless subscribers (on the date of peak VLR) in April 2024 was 1057.66 million.

I. Broadband Subscriber

As per the information received from 1,203 operators in April 2024, in comparison to 1158 Operators in March 2024, the total Broadband Subscribers increased from 924.07 million at the end of March 24 to 928.41 million at the end of April 24 with a monthly growth rate of 0.47 per cent. Segment-wise broadband subscribers and their monthly growth rates are as below: –

• The graphical representation of the service provider-wise market share of broadband services is given below: –

II. Wireline Subscribers

• Wireline subscribers increased from 33.79 million at the end of March-24 to 34.26 million at the end of April-24. Net increase in the wireline subscriber base was 0.47 million with a monthly rate of growth 1.39 per cent. The share of urban and rural subscribers in total wireline subscribers were 91.53 per cent and 8.47 per cent respectively at the end of April, 2024.

• The Overall Wireline Tele-density in India increased from 2.41 per cent at the end of March-24 to 2.45 per cent at the end of April-24. Urban and Rural Wireline Tele density were 6.29 per cent and 0.32 per cent respectively during the same period.

• BSNL, MTNL and APSFL, the three PSUs access service providers, held 27.05 per cent of the wireline market share as on 30th April, 2024. Detailed statistics of wireline subscriber base are available at Annexure-I.

III. Wireless subscriber

• Total wireless subscribers increased from 1,165.49 million at the end of March 24, to 1,166.96 million at the end of April 24, thereby registering a monthly growth rate of 0.13 per cent. Wireless subscription in urban areas decreased from 634.47 million at the end of Mar-24 to 633.53 million at the end of Apr-24 however wireless subscription in rural areas increased from 531.02 million to 533.42 million during the same period. Monthly growth rate of urban and rural wireless subscription was -0.15 per cent and 0.45 per cent
respectively.

• The Wireless Tele-density in India increased from 83.27 per cent at the end of March-24 to 83.31 per cent at the end of April-24.

The Urban Wireless Tele-density decreased from 127.51 per cent at the end of March-24 to 127.12 per cent at the end of April-24 however Rural Tele-density increased from 58.87 per cent to 59.12 per cent during the same period. The share of urban and rural wireless subscribers in total number of wireless subscribers was 54.29 per cent and 45.71 per cent
respectively at the end of April-24. Detailed statistics of wireless subscriber base is available at Annexure-II.

• As on 30th April, 2024, the private access service providers held 92.38 per cent market share of the wireless subscribers whereas BSNL and MTNL, the two PSU access service providers, had a market share of only 7.62 per cent.

• The graphical representation of access service provider-wise market share and net additions in wireless subscriber base are given below: –

Growth in Wireless Subscribers

• Except Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Kolkata and Gujarat, all other service areas have showed growth in their wireless subscribers during the month of April 24.

M2M cellular mobile connections

As on 30.04.2024, there were 51.92 million M2M cellular mobile connections. Bharti Airtel Limited has the highest number of M2M cellular mobile connections 28.39 million with a market share of 55.69 per cent followed by Vodafone idea Limited, Reliance Jio Infocom Limited and BSNL with market share of 28.32 per cent, 11.41 per cent and 5.58 per cent respectively.

IV. Total Telephone Subscribers

• The number of telephone subscribers in Total Telephone Subscribers India increased from 1,199.28 million at the end of March-24 to 1,201.22 million at the end of April-24, thereby showing a monthly growth rate of 0.16 per cent. Urban telephone subscription decreased from 665.38 million at the end of March-24 to 664.89 million at the end of April-24 however the rural subscription increased from 533.90 million to 536.33 million during the same period. The monthly growth rates of urban and rural telephone subscription were -0.07 per cent and 0.45 per cent respectively during the month of April-24.

• The overall Tele-density in India increased from 85.69 per cent at the end of March 24 to 85.76 per cent at the end of April 24. The Urban Tele-density decreased from 133.72 per cent at the end of March 24 to 133.42 perent at the end of April 24 however Rural Tele-density increased from 59.19 per cent to 59.44 per cent during the same period. The share of urban and rural subscribers in total number of telephone subscribers at the end of April-24 were 55.35 per cent and 44.65 per cent respectively.

• As may be seen in the above chart, eight LSA have less tele-density than the all India average tele-density at the end of April-24. Delhi service area has a maximum tele-density of 280.35 per cent and the Bihar service area has a minimum tele-density of 57.38 per cent at the end of April-24.

V. Category-wise Growth in subscriber base

• As can be seen in the above tables, in wireless segment, during the month of April, 2024, on monthly basis except Circle ‘A’, and Circle ‘Metro’ all other circles have registered growth rate in their subscriber base. On yearly basis all circles have registered growth rate in their subscriber.

• In Wireline segment, during the month of April, 2024, both on monthly and yearly basis, all circles have registered growth rate in their subscriber base.

VI. Active Wireless Subscribers (VLR Data)

• Out of the total 1,166.96 million wireless subscribers, 1057.66 million wireless subscribers were active on the date of peak VLR in the month of April-24. The proportion of active wireless subscribers was approximately 90.63 per cent of the total wireless subscriber base.

• The detailed statistics on proportion of active wireless subscribers (also referred to as VLR subscribers) on the date of peak VLR in the month of April-24 is available at Annexure III and the methodology used for reporting VLR subscribers is available at Annexure-IV.

• Reliance Communications has the maximum proportion 100 per cent of its active wireless subscribers (VLR) as against its total wireless subscribers (HLR) on the date of

peak VLR in the month of April-24 and MTNL has the minimum proportion of VLR 23.24 per cent of its HLR during the same period.

June 20, 2024
TRAI releases recommendations on ‘Inputs for formulation of National Broadcasting Policy-2024’

Mumbai – The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has today released recommendations on ‘Inputs for formulation of National Broadcasting Policy-2024’.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), vide its letter dated 13 per cent July 2023 has requested TRAI to provide its considered inputs under Section 11 of the TRAI Act, 1997 for formulation of National Broadcasting Policy.

As a first step, TRAI issued a Pre-Consultation Paper on 2 September 2023, to elicit the issues which were required to be considered for the formulation of National Broadcasting Policy. Based on the comments received from a discussion held with stakeholders, TRAI released the Consultation Paper on ‘Inputs for formulation of National Broadcasting Policy-2024’ on 274 April 2024. The Consultation Paper identified the focus areas and raised 20 questions seeking comments of the stakeholders. TRAI received comments from 42 stakeholders including service providers, organizations, industry associations, consumer advocacy groups and few individuals.

The Open House Discussion (OHD) was held on 15 May 2024. Certain additional comments were also received post OHD. The comments, OHD submissions and the additional comments have been analysed and duly considered while framing the recommendations to the Government.

The broadcasting sector is a sunrise sector having huge potential to contribute towards the growth of the Indian economy. The recommendations on inputs for formulation of the broadcasting policy has stipulated the vision, mission, goals and strategies for the planned development and growth of the broadcasting sector in the country in the era of emerging technologies.

The objective of the policy is to facilitate the growth of the sector with quick adoption of the emerging technologies for providing an immersive and enriching experience to the consumers in a cost-effective manner, while safeguarding the interest of the stakeholders involved in the broadcasting sphere. Achieving these goals necessitates collaboration among the key stakeholders viz. the central and state governments, local governments and agencies, television and radio broadcasters, OTT service providers, content creators, distributors, equipment manufacturers, academia, research institutes, industry including startups and small and medium enterprises.

The Authority has recommended the following Vision, Mission and Goals for the National Broadcasting Policy-2024.

Vision

To foster a competitive, affordable and ubiquitous ecosystem for sustained growth of the broadcasting sector, catering to the diverse needs of consumers that facilitates quality content creation, promotes democratic values and cultural diversity, enables inclusivity and literacy, attracts investments, safeguards intellectual property, develops resilient indigenous infrastructure, adopts emerging technologies, generates employment and drives socio-economic development through innovation and collaboration for strengthening India’s soft image and positioning ‘Brand India’ globally.

Mission

In pursuit of establishing India a global leader in the broadcasting sector, this policy intends to target broad roadmap for 10 years with special focus on the next five years. The National Broadcasting Policy-2024, envisages to achieve the following:

A.Propelling Growth

1.Establishing a robust broadcasting ecosystem by enabling growth-oriented policies and regulations through data-driven governance.

2.Supporting creation of a resilient, adaptive and tech-agile infrastructure fostering R&D, technology innovation and indigenous manufacturing.

3.Facilitating level-playing field and healthy competition; promoting ease of doing business and stimulating economic growth by enabling the reach of broadcasting services to all, positioning India as an ‘Uplinking Hub’ for television channels, attracting investments, generating employment opportunities and promoting skill development.

B. Promoting Content

1.Supporting quality content production and distribution for television, radio and OTT broadcasting services, encouraging proliferation of Indian content, both locally and globally, by harnessing the power of emerging broadcasting technologies and making India a ‘Global Content Hub’.

2.Establishing India as a preferred destination for content creation. Enabling quality content production in public service broadcasting to inform, educate and entertain the masses.

3.Promoting and facilitating the growth of Indian content through films, animation, visual effects, gaming, music and state-of-the-art post-production infrastructure.

C. Protecting Interests

1.Combating piracy and safeguarding the rights of content creators and intellectual property holders through copyright protection.

2.Fulfilling social responsibilities by ensuring awareness and enabling provisions for disseminating information to all strata of society; and environmental responsibilities through green broadcasting practices and disaster preparedness.

A. Propelling Growth: Establishing a robust broadcasting ecosystem

a. Measure sector’s performance based on various key economic parameters to enable data-driven policy decisions

b. Enable reach and access of television broadcasting services to uncovered households

c. Enable radio coverage in uncovered areas

d. Promote R&D and secure IPR in broadcasting sector

e. Promote manufacturing and adoption of new technologies including indigenous broadcasting technologies and equipment

f. Employment generation, bolstered up through training and upskilling for providing New Age Skills to the workforce

g. Encourage innovation-led startups and empower Small and Medium Enterprises

June 20, 2024
TRAI meets access providers, RBI, SEBI, IRDAI, banks and other financial entities

Mumbai: TRAI convened a meeting on 14 June 2024 which was attended by the representatives from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), more than 25 Banks and other Financial Institutions including Government, Private and Global Banks, Members of Association of National Exchanges Members of India (ANMI) and all the Telecom Service Providers.

Key points deliberated during the meeting include the following

a.) On the recommendations of TRAI, 160 series has been allocated exclusively for making transactional and service voice calls. In the first stage, it has been earmarked for all entities regulated by RBI, SEBI, IRDAI and PFRDA. Once it is implemented, it shall help in the easy identification of the calling entity and will prevent the duping of innocent citizen from the fraudsters. The meeting provided a platform for exchange of ideas amongst the regulators, entities and telecom service providers regarding the effective utilisation of this series. It was also discussed that the operation of 140 series, at present being used for promotional purposes, is being migrated to DLT platform and scrubbing of digital consent is also being operationalized. With the implementation of the above two measures, substantial control on spam calls from 10-digit numbers is expected.

b.) The Digital Consent Facility (DCA) established by Telecom Service Providers under TRAI’s TCCCPR-2018 Regulations was discussed in detail. The DCA facility enables acquisition of digital consent of the customer and further enables Senders such as banks, insurance companies and other entities to send promotional communications over SMS and voice to customers irrespective of their DND status.

c.) The role and obligations of senders such as banks, insurance companies and other entities with respect to TRAI regulations was also deliberated and it was decided to whitelist URLs/ Apks in the content templates, use of minimum number of headers and content templates, taking immediate action against the entity/ TM in case of misuse of senders’ credential etc.

All the regulators, banks and other financial institutions emphasized the need to work collaboratively to curb the menace of spam, particularly through voice calls and assured all cooperation for implementation of various initiatives by TRAI in a time bound manner.

June 17, 2024
Frauds in the name of TRAI

Mumbai: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has reported fraudulent WhatsApp messages, SMS and voice calls are made to the citizen claiming to be from Telecom Regulatory Authority of India. Perpetrators are utilizing forged notices, designed to resemble official communication from senior officers of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). These notices falsely allege illegal activity associated with the recipient’s mobile number and pressure them into contacting law enforcement or face service termination. Citizens are also threatened that mobile numbers will be disconnected if they don’t respond. At times, malicious actors may further attempt to trick individuals into installing malware or clicking on phishing links.

TRAI further stated that they do not initiate communication regarding mobile number disconnection through messages or official notices. Also they have not authorized any third-party agency to contact customers for such purposes. Therefore, any form of communication (call, message, or notice) claiming to be from TRAI and threatening mobile number disconnection should be considered a potential fraudulent attempt.

In order to prevent the misuse of telecom resources for cybercrime and financial fraud, TRAI has encouraged citizens to report suspected fraudulent communications through the Chakshu facility on the Department of Telecommunications’ Sanchar Saathi platform. This platform can be accessed at https: // sancharsaathi.gov.in/sfc/.

June 7, 2024