ITV

Tag: Karnataka

  • MIB grants provisional licence to 32 MSOs in three days

    MIB grants provisional licence to 32 MSOs in three days

    NEW DELHI: In perhaps the largest clearance of provisional licences in such a short time, a total of 32 multi system operators (MSOs) got provisional licences after 8 February, raising the total of MSOs operating in the country to 727 including the 231, which have permanent (ten-year) licences.

    The last list of 8 February had put the figure of provisional MSOs at 464. All the new provisional licencees have got the clearances between15 and 17 February.

    The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) had by 12 January cancelled the licences of 26 MSOs and closed their cases.

    According to the list issued today, the areas of operation of some of the MSOs have been revised or amended.

    Of the new licensees, only one has got the licence for pan-India for the first three phases of digital addressable system (DAS). The rest are from Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Utar Pradesh, Telangana, Goa, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.

  • MIB grants provisional licence to 32 MSOs in three days

    MIB grants provisional licence to 32 MSOs in three days

    NEW DELHI: In perhaps the largest clearance of provisional licences in such a short time, a total of 32 multi system operators (MSOs) got provisional licences after 8 February, raising the total of MSOs operating in the country to 727 including the 231, which have permanent (ten-year) licences.

    The last list of 8 February had put the figure of provisional MSOs at 464. All the new provisional licencees have got the clearances between15 and 17 February.

    The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) had by 12 January cancelled the licences of 26 MSOs and closed their cases.

    According to the list issued today, the areas of operation of some of the MSOs have been revised or amended.

    Of the new licensees, only one has got the licence for pan-India for the first three phases of digital addressable system (DAS). The rest are from Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Utar Pradesh, Telangana, Goa, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.

  • DishTV launches customised packs in Karnataka, AP & Telangana

    DishTV launches customised packs in Karnataka, AP & Telangana

    MUMBAI: In a bid to acquire subscribers in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana during Phase III areas of Digital Addressable System (DAS), direct to home (DTH) operator DishTV has launched a new package called Khushi, which offers customers the power to create their own pack.

    The new includes 45 South Indian channels, five Kannada channels and 11 Telugu channels.

    For the customers moving to DishTV, the company offers various options by providing them a choice of custom-made 17 entertainment add-on packs ranging from Rs 25 – 75 per month and regional add-ons starting from Rs 10 per month.

    Subscribers can avail best of Kannada entertainment at as low as Rs 139 per month and wholesome Kannada entertainment at Rs 169 per month. Further to appease the need for sports enthusiasts, the sports add on with best of Kannada entertainment is available at Rs 189 per month.

    For accessing Telugu entertainment, customers will have to pay Rs 139 per month. Popular kids add on with complete Telugu entertainment is priced at Rs 164 per month and the sports add on with complete Telugu entertainment will be available at Rs 189 per month.

    DishTV CEO Arun Kapoor said, “Over the years we have observed the trend of the viewer preferences prevailing in the Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets. They have an inclination for regional content. Keeping this in mind DishTV has always been at the forefront to provide innovative solutions to enhance the TV viewing experience for our subscribers in regional markets.”

    He further added, “Now, with the extension of deadline for the phase III of TV digitisation in India, we aim to capitalise the huge captive user base, which would be switching from analogue cable to digital platform. Khushi offers its subscribers the ‘Power to create your own pack’ and ensure that they enjoy seamless services with uninterrupted entertainment at cost effective rates.”

  • DishTV launches customised packs in Karnataka, AP & Telangana

    DishTV launches customised packs in Karnataka, AP & Telangana

    MUMBAI: In a bid to acquire subscribers in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana during Phase III areas of Digital Addressable System (DAS), direct to home (DTH) operator DishTV has launched a new package called Khushi, which offers customers the power to create their own pack.

    The new includes 45 South Indian channels, five Kannada channels and 11 Telugu channels.

    For the customers moving to DishTV, the company offers various options by providing them a choice of custom-made 17 entertainment add-on packs ranging from Rs 25 – 75 per month and regional add-ons starting from Rs 10 per month.

    Subscribers can avail best of Kannada entertainment at as low as Rs 139 per month and wholesome Kannada entertainment at Rs 169 per month. Further to appease the need for sports enthusiasts, the sports add on with best of Kannada entertainment is available at Rs 189 per month.

    For accessing Telugu entertainment, customers will have to pay Rs 139 per month. Popular kids add on with complete Telugu entertainment is priced at Rs 164 per month and the sports add on with complete Telugu entertainment will be available at Rs 189 per month.

    DishTV CEO Arun Kapoor said, “Over the years we have observed the trend of the viewer preferences prevailing in the Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets. They have an inclination for regional content. Keeping this in mind DishTV has always been at the forefront to provide innovative solutions to enhance the TV viewing experience for our subscribers in regional markets.”

    He further added, “Now, with the extension of deadline for the phase III of TV digitisation in India, we aim to capitalise the huge captive user base, which would be switching from analogue cable to digital platform. Khushi offers its subscribers the ‘Power to create your own pack’ and ensure that they enjoy seamless services with uninterrupted entertainment at cost effective rates.”

  • Idea expands 4G service across 39 Karnataka towns

    Idea expands 4G service across 39 Karnataka towns

    MUMBAI: Idea Cellular has expanded its high speed 4G LTE services across 39 towns in Karnataka.

     

    What’s more, by March 2016, the company will extend its services to three more key markets namely, Maharashtra & Goa, North East and Orissa, and by June 2016, Idea’s 4G footprints will cover 750 cities across 10 telecom circles.

     

    Within a month, the company has expanded its 4G LTE service footprint to 24 districts, including major towns of Bangalore, Mysore, Madikeri, Karwar, Chikmagalur, Belgaum and Chitradurga; covering 20 per cent of the state’s total population.

     

    In addition to Bangalore metro, Idea has launched its 4G services in other towns of Channarayapatna, Udyavara (CT), Harihar, Kunigal, Mulbagal, and Toranagal. Additionally, Idea is planning to launch its 4G services in Mangalore, Udupi-Manipal, Bijapur, Bellary and 18 more towns by end of this financial year, taking the total tally to 61.

     

    It can be recalled that last year in December, Idea Cellular had launched 4G LTE services in all four telecom circles (five states) of South India, namely Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh & Telangana, and Karnataka. Earlier this month, the company launched services across three more circles (four Indian states) – Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana and Punjab, expanding its 4G LTE service footprint to 7 telecom service areas.

     

    Idea Cellular deputy managing director Ambrish Jain said, “Since last week of December 2015, Idea has rapidly rolled out its high-speed 4G LTE network to cover seven major markets in India.”

     

    Idea Cellular currently holds 1800 MHz 4G spectrum in these 10 telecom circles, which cover 50 per cent of telecom market but over 60 per cent of Idea’s gross revenue. Additionally, Idea has recently signed an agreement with Videocon Telecommunications for acquiring ‘Right to Use’ 1800 MHz spectrum under Spectrum Trading Agreement in two of its key telecom leadership markets of Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh (West). Post completion of this transaction, 4G services will be extended to 12 service areas, covering 75 per cent of Idea’s revenue base in the country.

     

    Idea Cellular chief marketing officer Sashi Shankar added, “Idea customers with 4G devices in these 183 towns can now start experiencing super fast speeds by simply upgrading their existing SIM cards to new 4G SIM cards. The company is also offering attractive subscription plans to digital content including a wide range of the latest music, movies and games. Idea has also partnered with leading handset manufacturers and e-commerce retailers for special data bundling offers on new 4G smartphones.”

     
    Idea’s 4G Prepaid & Postpaid tariff plans are priced at par with existing 3G plans. The company is also offering ‘4G Packs’ starting as low as Rs 21.

     

    Digital Content for 4G consumers 

     

    Idea, marking its first foray in the digital space, is launching an assortment of digital content in partnership with content aggregators.

     

    For music, it has tied-up with Hungama Digital, wherein it will offer content at a monthly subscription price of Rs 99 for all its consumers. For movies and videos, Idea has partnered with Eros International, wherein content will be offered at a monthly subscription price of Rs 49 for all its consumers. Idea will also be launching ‘Idea Games Club’ powered by Opera for all its consumers from 1 February, 2016, at a monthly subscription price of Rs 150. However, as an incentive for new 4G customers, a special offer for subscription at just Rs 29 per month till 31 March, 2016 is available for these packs.

     

    Idea will also unveil ‘Ultimate Plans,’ which provide a Bundleof 4G Data, Unlimited Voice calls and Content subscription, which is powered by Hungama.

     

    Wide Portfolio of 4G Smartphones & Devices

    Currently, 2.7 million 4G devices across these seven circles are registered on Idea’s network and growing at an exponential rate. To facilitate 4G device upgrade, Idea has launched branded 4G devices namely Idea 4G Dongles, 4G Mi-Fi (connects 10 users) and Home Wi-Fi (connects 32 users), which are now available at Rs 2,599 onwards with 4G Data offers.

     

    Idea has partnered with Samsung for special offers on its 4G Smartphones, wherein the two companies will launch a variety of programmes to offer differentiated and significant value to customers.

     

    The TSP has also tied up with smartphone manufacturers including Intex Technologies, Lava, Lenovo and Xolo to offer bundled 4G data plans on smartphones.

     

    A tie up is also in place with e-commerce retailer Snapdeal for providing bundled data offers on 4G devices.

     

    Launch of 4G website

    The company has also launched its responsive 4G website -www.ideacellular.com/4G, wherein consumers can log on to get more information about 4G services, tariff plans and recharges, locate the nearest Idea stores offering 4G SIMs and much more. Idea is also rolling out a smartphone e-store on its website. Consumers can now buy 4G smartphone brands, Mi-Fi and Dongles. 

     

    The company has also rolled out its FDD platform enabled 4G LTE services on the 1800 MHz frequency band, which is the most preferred spectrum band for deployment of 4G services globally, and is supported by the majority of 4G handsets available in the market.

     

    Idea Cellular’s 4G LTE Network will be equipped with the enhanced ‘Fast Return’ feature enabling seamless and quick toggle for consumers across Idea’s 4G, 3G and 2G networks, offering superior experience for both mobile data and voice services. While the company possesses the capability to introduce VoLTE feature, existing customers’ current 4G devices do not support this feature. Accordingly, the deployment of VoLTE will be evaluated at a later stage.

     

    Idea is deploying state-of-the-art, ‘Single RAN’ equipment, which supports multiple technologies in a given frequency band. For every 4G site on 1800 MHz, this equipment also provides additional 2G voice capacity on GSM spectrum.

     

    For FY16, Idea Cellular’s capex guidance is Rs 6,500 crore, significantly higher than earlier years’ annual capex spends. In this fiscal year, Idea plans to add 40,000 – 45,000 sites on 2G, 3G and 4G technology platforms, complete a cumulative roll out of 111,000 kms of Fibre, and add an incremental 175-200 million population to the mobile broadband (3G & 4G) population coverage. The 4G launch in Southern India is part of the capex guidance by Idea.

     

    The roll out of Idea’s 4G services will be financed through internal accruals. The company recorded an EBITDA of Rs 5,739 crore in H1-FY16, a growth of 27.6 per cent  over H1-FY15 and cash profits of Rs 5,085 crore, a robust growth of 32.5 per cent over H1FY15.

  • Idea expands 4G service across 39 Karnataka towns

    Idea expands 4G service across 39 Karnataka towns

    MUMBAI: Idea Cellular has expanded its high speed 4G LTE services across 39 towns in Karnataka.

     

    What’s more, by March 2016, the company will extend its services to three more key markets namely, Maharashtra & Goa, North East and Orissa, and by June 2016, Idea’s 4G footprints will cover 750 cities across 10 telecom circles.

     

    Within a month, the company has expanded its 4G LTE service footprint to 24 districts, including major towns of Bangalore, Mysore, Madikeri, Karwar, Chikmagalur, Belgaum and Chitradurga; covering 20 per cent of the state’s total population.

     

    In addition to Bangalore metro, Idea has launched its 4G services in other towns of Channarayapatna, Udyavara (CT), Harihar, Kunigal, Mulbagal, and Toranagal. Additionally, Idea is planning to launch its 4G services in Mangalore, Udupi-Manipal, Bijapur, Bellary and 18 more towns by end of this financial year, taking the total tally to 61.

     

    It can be recalled that last year in December, Idea Cellular had launched 4G LTE services in all four telecom circles (five states) of South India, namely Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh & Telangana, and Karnataka. Earlier this month, the company launched services across three more circles (four Indian states) – Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana and Punjab, expanding its 4G LTE service footprint to 7 telecom service areas.

     

    Idea Cellular deputy managing director Ambrish Jain said, “Since last week of December 2015, Idea has rapidly rolled out its high-speed 4G LTE network to cover seven major markets in India.”

     

    Idea Cellular currently holds 1800 MHz 4G spectrum in these 10 telecom circles, which cover 50 per cent of telecom market but over 60 per cent of Idea’s gross revenue. Additionally, Idea has recently signed an agreement with Videocon Telecommunications for acquiring ‘Right to Use’ 1800 MHz spectrum under Spectrum Trading Agreement in two of its key telecom leadership markets of Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh (West). Post completion of this transaction, 4G services will be extended to 12 service areas, covering 75 per cent of Idea’s revenue base in the country.

     

    Idea Cellular chief marketing officer Sashi Shankar added, “Idea customers with 4G devices in these 183 towns can now start experiencing super fast speeds by simply upgrading their existing SIM cards to new 4G SIM cards. The company is also offering attractive subscription plans to digital content including a wide range of the latest music, movies and games. Idea has also partnered with leading handset manufacturers and e-commerce retailers for special data bundling offers on new 4G smartphones.”

     
    Idea’s 4G Prepaid & Postpaid tariff plans are priced at par with existing 3G plans. The company is also offering ‘4G Packs’ starting as low as Rs 21.

     

    Digital Content for 4G consumers 

     

    Idea, marking its first foray in the digital space, is launching an assortment of digital content in partnership with content aggregators.

     

    For music, it has tied-up with Hungama Digital, wherein it will offer content at a monthly subscription price of Rs 99 for all its consumers. For movies and videos, Idea has partnered with Eros International, wherein content will be offered at a monthly subscription price of Rs 49 for all its consumers. Idea will also be launching ‘Idea Games Club’ powered by Opera for all its consumers from 1 February, 2016, at a monthly subscription price of Rs 150. However, as an incentive for new 4G customers, a special offer for subscription at just Rs 29 per month till 31 March, 2016 is available for these packs.

     

    Idea will also unveil ‘Ultimate Plans,’ which provide a Bundleof 4G Data, Unlimited Voice calls and Content subscription, which is powered by Hungama.

     

    Wide Portfolio of 4G Smartphones & Devices

    Currently, 2.7 million 4G devices across these seven circles are registered on Idea’s network and growing at an exponential rate. To facilitate 4G device upgrade, Idea has launched branded 4G devices namely Idea 4G Dongles, 4G Mi-Fi (connects 10 users) and Home Wi-Fi (connects 32 users), which are now available at Rs 2,599 onwards with 4G Data offers.

     

    Idea has partnered with Samsung for special offers on its 4G Smartphones, wherein the two companies will launch a variety of programmes to offer differentiated and significant value to customers.

     

    The TSP has also tied up with smartphone manufacturers including Intex Technologies, Lava, Lenovo and Xolo to offer bundled 4G data plans on smartphones.

     

    A tie up is also in place with e-commerce retailer Snapdeal for providing bundled data offers on 4G devices.

     

    Launch of 4G website

    The company has also launched its responsive 4G website -www.ideacellular.com/4G, wherein consumers can log on to get more information about 4G services, tariff plans and recharges, locate the nearest Idea stores offering 4G SIMs and much more. Idea is also rolling out a smartphone e-store on its website. Consumers can now buy 4G smartphone brands, Mi-Fi and Dongles. 

     

    The company has also rolled out its FDD platform enabled 4G LTE services on the 1800 MHz frequency band, which is the most preferred spectrum band for deployment of 4G services globally, and is supported by the majority of 4G handsets available in the market.

     

    Idea Cellular’s 4G LTE Network will be equipped with the enhanced ‘Fast Return’ feature enabling seamless and quick toggle for consumers across Idea’s 4G, 3G and 2G networks, offering superior experience for both mobile data and voice services. While the company possesses the capability to introduce VoLTE feature, existing customers’ current 4G devices do not support this feature. Accordingly, the deployment of VoLTE will be evaluated at a later stage.

     

    Idea is deploying state-of-the-art, ‘Single RAN’ equipment, which supports multiple technologies in a given frequency band. For every 4G site on 1800 MHz, this equipment also provides additional 2G voice capacity on GSM spectrum.

     

    For FY16, Idea Cellular’s capex guidance is Rs 6,500 crore, significantly higher than earlier years’ annual capex spends. In this fiscal year, Idea plans to add 40,000 – 45,000 sites on 2G, 3G and 4G technology platforms, complete a cumulative roll out of 111,000 kms of Fibre, and add an incremental 175-200 million population to the mobile broadband (3G & 4G) population coverage. The 4G launch in Southern India is part of the capex guidance by Idea.

     

    The roll out of Idea’s 4G services will be financed through internal accruals. The company recorded an EBITDA of Rs 5,739 crore in H1-FY16, a growth of 27.6 per cent  over H1-FY15 and cash profits of Rs 5,085 crore, a robust growth of 32.5 per cent over H1FY15.

  • TRAI recommends high reserve prices for spectrum auction; TSPs unhappy

    TRAI recommends high reserve prices for spectrum auction; TSPs unhappy

    NEW DELHI: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) today recommended rates for auction of spectrum in the 700 Mhz, 800 Mhz, 900 Mhz, 1800 Mhz, 2100 Mhz, 2300 Mhz and 2500 Mhz bands.

     

    Earlier, TRAI chairman R S Sharma had said that the auction may be conducted in May or June this year.

     

    The base spectrum price per MHz for Delhi metro will be Rs 1,595 crore for 700 MHz, Rs 848 crore for 800 MHz, Rs 399 crore for 1800 MHz, Rs 554 crore for 2100 MHz, Rs 143 crore for 2300 MHz and Rs 143 crore for 2500 MHz band.

     

    TRAI said the base spectrum price per MHz for Karnataka (including Bangalore) will be Rs 740 crore for 700 MHz, Rs 303 crore for 800 MHz, Rs 558 crore for 900 MHz, Rs 185 crore for 1800 MHz, Rs 328 crore for 2100 MHz, Rs 98 crore for 2300 MHz and Rs 98 crore for 2500 MHz band.

     

    One TSP, who did not want to be named, told Indiantelevision.com that the prices were prohibitive and the government may be asked to reconsider the recommendations.

     

    The Authority reiterated its earlier recommendation that APT700 band plan should be adopted for the 700 MHz (698-806 MHz) spectrum band with FDD based 2×45 MHz frequency arrangement.

     

    TRAI has also recommended that entire available spectrum (2x35MHz) in the 700 MHz band should be put to auction in the upcoming auction.

     

    The Authority said test schedule for the roll-out obligations testing for 700 MHz should be released within a period of one year from the date of completion of auction in this band.

     

    The same roll-out obligations, which were imposed on the successful bidder of spectrum in 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 and 2100 MHz band in the auctions held in 2015, should be prescribed for these spectrum bands in the upcoming auctions for new entrants. The Authority also said no fresh roll-out obligation should be imposed on existing service providers who are already operating their services in 800, 900, 1800 or 2100 MHz band, in case they acquire additional block of spectrum in the same band.

     

    The Authority recommended that the same eligibility criteria that have been made applicable for other bands viz. 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz band in January 2015 NIA should be made applicable for 2300 MHz and 2500 MHz bands. The same eligibility criteria should also be made applicable for 700 MHz band also.

     

    Partial spectrum available in Bihar, Rajasthan and North-East LSAs should not be put to auction till such time it becomes available at least in 75 per cent of total number of districts of the LSA including the State capital(s).

     

    The Authority recommended that DoT, in coordination with Defence and the TSPs, should complete the harmonisation process in the 1800 MHz band before upcoming auctions so that the entire spectrum that is made available due to this exercise is placed for bidding. The available spectrum must be put to auction in contiguous blocks, preferably in the block of 5 MHz.

     

    It recommended that the 1800 MHz band administratively assigned spectrum to Aircel in Haryana and MP, and Tata in HP should be taken back. The Authority also recommended that the 800 MHz band be administratively assigned spectrum to Tata in WB and Quadrant in Punjab should be taken back. This spectrum should also be put to upcoming auction.

     

    The Authority recommended that DoT, in coordination with Defence and the TSPs, should complete the harmonisation process in the 1800 MHz band before upcoming auctions so that the entire spectrum that is made available due to this exercise is placed for bidding. The available spectrum must be put to auction in contiguous blocks, preferably in the block of 5 MHz.

     

    The Authority recommended that DoT should ensure that the spectrum surrendered by TTSL is not kept idle and takes appropriate legal remedies to put it in the upcoming auction.  

     

    Additionally, the entire available spectrum in 2100 MHz band, including spectrum taken back from STEL, should be put to auction.

     

    Spectrum in 700 MHz band should be offered in the block size of 5 MHz (paired). In case a TSP is able to win more than one block of spectrum in the upcoming auctions, it should be allocated spectrum in contiguous blocks.

     

    In case a TSP is able to win more than one block of spectrum in 2100 MHz band, it should be allocated spectrum in contiguous blocks. Similarly, if the TSP already having spectrum in the 2100 MHz band, acquires additional carrier, it should be ensured that all its carriers are contiguous.  

     

    Spectrum in the 2300 MHz and 2500 MHz bands should be put to auction in the block size of 10 MHz (unpaired). Currently, spectrum trading in 2300/2500 MHz band is permitted in the block size of 20 MHz. The Authority also recommended that after network synchronisation of all the TDD networks, spectrum trading in 2300/2500 MHz band should be permitted in the blocks of 10 MHz.

     

    Existing provision of a cap of 25 per cent of the ‘total spectrum assigned’ in 700/800/900/1800/ 2100/2300/2500 MHz bands and 50 per cent within a given band in each of the access service area shall apply for total spectrum holding by each TSP.

     

    The roll-out obligations to be imposed for licensees who acquire access spectrum in 700 MHz band should be: all towns/villages having population of 15,000 or more but less than 50,000 to be covered within five years of effective date of allocation of spectrum for access services and all villages having population of 10,000 or more but less than 15,000 to be covered within seven years of effective date of allocation of spectrum; to prevent, duplication of infrastructure, a TSP should also be permitted to fulfil the obligations by sharing network of other operator to the extent permissible as per guidelines/instructions applicable from time to time.

     

    The Authority recommended that the quantum of test fee for the purpose of roll-out testing requirements may be reduced to 20 per cent of the existing rates for testing in the block headquarters (for phase 3, 4 and 5 of the rollout obligations) and similarly for testing of coverage in rural SDCAs.

  • TRAI recommends high reserve prices for spectrum auction; TSPs unhappy

    TRAI recommends high reserve prices for spectrum auction; TSPs unhappy

    NEW DELHI: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) today recommended rates for auction of spectrum in the 700 Mhz, 800 Mhz, 900 Mhz, 1800 Mhz, 2100 Mhz, 2300 Mhz and 2500 Mhz bands.

     

    Earlier, TRAI chairman R S Sharma had said that the auction may be conducted in May or June this year.

     

    The base spectrum price per MHz for Delhi metro will be Rs 1,595 crore for 700 MHz, Rs 848 crore for 800 MHz, Rs 399 crore for 1800 MHz, Rs 554 crore for 2100 MHz, Rs 143 crore for 2300 MHz and Rs 143 crore for 2500 MHz band.

     

    TRAI said the base spectrum price per MHz for Karnataka (including Bangalore) will be Rs 740 crore for 700 MHz, Rs 303 crore for 800 MHz, Rs 558 crore for 900 MHz, Rs 185 crore for 1800 MHz, Rs 328 crore for 2100 MHz, Rs 98 crore for 2300 MHz and Rs 98 crore for 2500 MHz band.

     

    One TSP, who did not want to be named, told Indiantelevision.com that the prices were prohibitive and the government may be asked to reconsider the recommendations.

     

    The Authority reiterated its earlier recommendation that APT700 band plan should be adopted for the 700 MHz (698-806 MHz) spectrum band with FDD based 2×45 MHz frequency arrangement.

     

    TRAI has also recommended that entire available spectrum (2x35MHz) in the 700 MHz band should be put to auction in the upcoming auction.

     

    The Authority said test schedule for the roll-out obligations testing for 700 MHz should be released within a period of one year from the date of completion of auction in this band.

     

    The same roll-out obligations, which were imposed on the successful bidder of spectrum in 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 and 2100 MHz band in the auctions held in 2015, should be prescribed for these spectrum bands in the upcoming auctions for new entrants. The Authority also said no fresh roll-out obligation should be imposed on existing service providers who are already operating their services in 800, 900, 1800 or 2100 MHz band, in case they acquire additional block of spectrum in the same band.

     

    The Authority recommended that the same eligibility criteria that have been made applicable for other bands viz. 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz band in January 2015 NIA should be made applicable for 2300 MHz and 2500 MHz bands. The same eligibility criteria should also be made applicable for 700 MHz band also.

     

    Partial spectrum available in Bihar, Rajasthan and North-East LSAs should not be put to auction till such time it becomes available at least in 75 per cent of total number of districts of the LSA including the State capital(s).

     

    The Authority recommended that DoT, in coordination with Defence and the TSPs, should complete the harmonisation process in the 1800 MHz band before upcoming auctions so that the entire spectrum that is made available due to this exercise is placed for bidding. The available spectrum must be put to auction in contiguous blocks, preferably in the block of 5 MHz.

     

    It recommended that the 1800 MHz band administratively assigned spectrum to Aircel in Haryana and MP, and Tata in HP should be taken back. The Authority also recommended that the 800 MHz band be administratively assigned spectrum to Tata in WB and Quadrant in Punjab should be taken back. This spectrum should also be put to upcoming auction.

     

    The Authority recommended that DoT, in coordination with Defence and the TSPs, should complete the harmonisation process in the 1800 MHz band before upcoming auctions so that the entire spectrum that is made available due to this exercise is placed for bidding. The available spectrum must be put to auction in contiguous blocks, preferably in the block of 5 MHz.

     

    The Authority recommended that DoT should ensure that the spectrum surrendered by TTSL is not kept idle and takes appropriate legal remedies to put it in the upcoming auction.  

     

    Additionally, the entire available spectrum in 2100 MHz band, including spectrum taken back from STEL, should be put to auction.

     

    Spectrum in 700 MHz band should be offered in the block size of 5 MHz (paired). In case a TSP is able to win more than one block of spectrum in the upcoming auctions, it should be allocated spectrum in contiguous blocks.

     

    In case a TSP is able to win more than one block of spectrum in 2100 MHz band, it should be allocated spectrum in contiguous blocks. Similarly, if the TSP already having spectrum in the 2100 MHz band, acquires additional carrier, it should be ensured that all its carriers are contiguous.  

     

    Spectrum in the 2300 MHz and 2500 MHz bands should be put to auction in the block size of 10 MHz (unpaired). Currently, spectrum trading in 2300/2500 MHz band is permitted in the block size of 20 MHz. The Authority also recommended that after network synchronisation of all the TDD networks, spectrum trading in 2300/2500 MHz band should be permitted in the blocks of 10 MHz.

     

    Existing provision of a cap of 25 per cent of the ‘total spectrum assigned’ in 700/800/900/1800/ 2100/2300/2500 MHz bands and 50 per cent within a given band in each of the access service area shall apply for total spectrum holding by each TSP.

     

    The roll-out obligations to be imposed for licensees who acquire access spectrum in 700 MHz band should be: all towns/villages having population of 15,000 or more but less than 50,000 to be covered within five years of effective date of allocation of spectrum for access services and all villages having population of 10,000 or more but less than 15,000 to be covered within seven years of effective date of allocation of spectrum; to prevent, duplication of infrastructure, a TSP should also be permitted to fulfil the obligations by sharing network of other operator to the extent permissible as per guidelines/instructions applicable from time to time.

     

    The Authority recommended that the quantum of test fee for the purpose of roll-out testing requirements may be reduced to 20 per cent of the existing rates for testing in the block headquarters (for phase 3, 4 and 5 of the rollout obligations) and similarly for testing of coverage in rural SDCAs.

  • DAS Phase III: Fifth updated list of urban areas shows 100 changes in Karnataka

    DAS Phase III: Fifth updated list of urban areas shows 100 changes in Karnataka

    NEW DELHI: The Government, which had last month issued an updated list of urban areas to be covered during Phase III of the Digital Addressable System (DAS) in West Bengal, today issued a fifth list relating to West Bengal.

     

    Earlier, the list issued on 3 November was related to the urban areas to be covered in seven states and one union territory. That was in addition to the 16 states for which upgradation had been announced on 16 October.

     

    Around 80 towns have been deleted from Karnataka but around 20 have been added or upgraded. This leaves a total of 2,044,940 TV households to be covered in DAS Phase III.

     

    The third updated list had referred to changes in Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jammu & Kashmir, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur and Telangana, and the Union Territory of Daman & Diu.

     

    Earlier in October, the states and union territories where changes were made were: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Rajasthan, Punjab, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Andaman and Nicobar, and Puducherry.

     

    The updated list attached on the Information and Broadcasting Ministry’s website with regard to these states and UTs also indicates areas that have been deleted and those which have been added, apart from the number of television households to be covered in each case.

     

    The changes have been made on the basis of the list of Urban local Bodies received from Karnataka government.

     

    The list does not contain areas covered in the first two phases.

     

    The list of areas to be covered in Phase III had been issued on 30 April last year. 

  • BARC India’s watermarked channels crosses 400 mark

    BARC India’s watermarked channels crosses 400 mark

    MUMBAI: Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) India has achieved another significant milestone within the very first year of its operations: the subscriber base of TV channels, which have signed up for its Watermarking Technology, has crossed the 400 mark. 

     

    The number now stands at 429 to be precise. If one takes into account the various language feeds of channels, that number actually climbs to 457, as BARC India is watermarking 28 language feeds separately.

     

    BARC India started rolling out viewership data in end-April with 277 channels signing up for its Watermarking Technology: and in the short span of last eight months, it has witnessed a rapid acceleration of broadcasters adopting the technology, which is the starting point for BARC India’s future-proof audience measurement system. 

     

    The technology has been adopted by not just broadcasters with an all-India market, but also by regional broadcasters across the spectrum. Of the 429 channels that have adopted the watermarking technology, 195 are ‘All India’ channels and HSM (Hindi Speaking Market) channels.

     

    A hundred and thirty one channels are from the South comprising markets of Tamil Nadu & Puducherry (42), Andhra Pradesh & Telangana (39), Karnataka (27) and Kerala (23).

     

    Of the other key TV markets in India, 18 channels are of West Bengal and 17 of Maharashtra & Goa.

     

    BARC India contracted Kantar Media’s team (previously part of Civolution) to supply the watermarking technology that underpins the world’s largest audience measurement system.

     

    “We are happy to have partnered with BARC India to deploy our watermarking technology. With so many new ways of distributing and consuming TV and video content, Kantar Media’s solutions enable BARC India to detect content wherever and whenever it’s consumed,” said Kantar Media Watermarking Solutions global director Jean Michel Masson.

     

    “We have been able to cross the 400 channel mark in a short span since our launch. This is an achievement and the team at BARC India has done a great job to achieve this target. I am thankful to Civolution and Cineom for their support and technology,” added BARC India CEO Partho Dasgupta.