ITV

Tag: Trai

  • TRAI overhauls network authorisations, boosting structure and revenue in telecom

    TRAI overhauls network authorisations, boosting structure and revenue in telecom

    MUMBAI: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has shaken up the telecom sector with fresh recommendations that redefine network authorisations under the Telecommunications Act, 2023. The much-anticipated Recommendations on the Terms and Conditions of Network Authorisations were unveiled on 17 February 2025, setting the stage for a more structured and revenue-driven industry.

    This isn’t just a policy tweak—it’s a game-changer. With a range of new authorisation categories and a pricing framework that demands commitment, TRAI is making it clear that the industry’s future lies in structured, competitive, and investment-heavy territory. From satellite gateways to cloud-hosted telecom networks, the revised framework is a playbook for businesses looking to thrive in India’s fast-evolving telecom landscape.

    Key among the updates is the introduction of a mix of infrastructure and service provider authorisations, each carrying its own set of fees. Notably, the Mobile Number Portability (MNP) Provider authorisation comes with a whopping Rs 40,00,000 guarantee fee, ensuring only serious players enter the market. But it’s not all about higher costs—TRAI has focused on streamlining processes, reducing bureaucratic hurdles, and fostering innovation while prioritising security.

    Companies eyeing infrastructure investments—think dark fibres, towers, and ducts—will now need an Infrastructure Provider (IP) authorisation. Meanwhile, digital connectivity firms can explore the Digital Connectivity Infrastructure Provider (DCIP) authorisation, which encompasses everything from wireline access networks to expansive Wi-Fi systems.

    One of the most forward-thinking recommendations includes enabling Cloud-hosted Telecom Networks (CTN), marking a significant step toward the sector’s cloud-powered future. TRAI has also planned for a smooth transition, allowing existing entities to voluntarily shift to the new framework under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, ensuring continuity without disruption.

    While the fee hikes may raise eyebrows, TRAI’s ultimate goal is to fortify India’s telecom ecosystem, making it robust, competitive, and future-ready. By enhancing the ease of doing business, fostering investment, and securing the sector’s digital backbone, the regulatory body is charting a course for long-term industry growth.

    For those keen to dive into the details, TRAI’s full set of recommendations is available on its website. Whether it’s satellites or fibre optics, India’s telecom landscape is gearing up for a more structured and lucrative future.

  • TRAI issues recommendations for ground-based broadcasting

    TRAI issues recommendations for ground-based broadcasting

    MUMBAI: India has far been a cable and satellite TV country, apart from the single government-owned pubcaster Doordarshan which is the sole terrestrial network. That could likely change if one goes by the recommendations which the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has come up with for ground based broadcasting (GBB). The recommendation are aimed at establishing a regulatory framework for GBBs in India. They focus on defining operational parameters and facilitating the use of terrestrial communication mediums by broadcasters.

    The key highlights of the TRAI recommendations are:

    * Definitions: The authority has clarified key terms such as “broadcaster,” “ground-based broadcasting,” and “terrestrial communication medium” to reflect updated practices in the industry, distinguishing between satellite-based and ground-based broadcasting.
    *  Regulatory Framework: TRAI recommends creating a framework for GBBs that aligns with existing guidelines for satellite broadcasters but excludes satellite-specific regulations. Ground-based broadcasters will not require authorisation from In-Space for frequency assignments but must secure other necessary clearances.
    * Delivery Mechanism: GBBs will provide channels to distribution platform operators (DPOs) using various terrestrial technologies, gaining the flexibility to utilise multiple systems as per their business strategies.
    * . Fee Structure: An annual authorisation fee of Rs seven  lakh per channel for GBBs has been proposed.
    *  Operational Areas: The service area for GBBs will be national, ensuring broad reach across the country.
    * Channel Migration Options: GBBs wishing to switch to or adopt satellite communication for their channels, and satellite broadcasters (SBBs) looking to embrace terrestrial methods, may do so with prior government approval while maintaining existing permission validity.
    * Compliance and Reporting: GBBs must report the primary language and sub-genre of their channels at the time of application, which will be displayed on the Broadcast Seva portal to assist in electronic programming guide (EPG) arrangement.
    * Examination of FAST Channels: TRAI recommends that the MIB assess the compliance of free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channels with existing guidelines and develop policies as needed.
     

    These recommendations aim to enhance the operational landscape for broadcasters in India, promoting the effective use of emerging technologies while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
     

  • Indian DTH subscriber base drops further to 59.9 million in June-Sept ’24 quarter

    Indian DTH subscriber base drops further to 59.9 million in June-Sept ’24 quarter

    MUMBAI: Almost every leading TV executive – whether Uday Shankar or Punit Goenka or Gaurav Banerjee – has spoken about his or her belief that television  in India has legs. No doubt they have to speak optimistically. Linear television revenues are what are currently funding their hard-pressed-for-earnings streaming businesses.

    That television is under further duress has become even clearer from the latest Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) quarterly report of telecom performence indicators for the period Jul y 2024 to September 2024.

    The continued drop in DTH  active subscriptions is alarming: the figure for end September 2024 is 59.9 million. The comparative figure for June 2024 was 62.17 million subscribers. In September 2023, there were 64.18 million active subs

    With four DTH operators in operation,  it’s not as if they are doing nothing to retain customers. They have been giving customers the freedom to create their own packs, they have slashed prices for their set top boxes, they have been offering easier payment terms and HD services, they have been doling out value-added services for cheap, and they have started OTT aggregator services,  broadband is being offered by them  at reasonable prices.

    But lo and behold, nada, nothing seems to be halting the slide of consumers dumping their satellite TV dishes.

    A few thoughts to ponder  for DTH operators:  

    When will the law of diminishing returns come into play as subscribers drop off? 

    At what level will the business become unviable? 40 million subs, 30 million, to service the well-spread-out India? 

    When will there be a major shakeup? 

    And what will lead to one or two players falling off the treadmill?

    Already, reports keep popping up that talks are continuing between Tata Play and Airtel for the latter to acquire the former. When and if it does happen, we’ll be down to three DTH operators.

    Also, solutions need to be evolved to stop the slide –   complaining about the gold rush towards DD Free Dish is not the best answer.

    2025 is a new year.

    A chance to relook at the business.

    A chance to see if Tata Play’s white-label-service model can be replicated and monetised by licensing it to other  players  in less developed markets to keep revenues coming in.

    A chance to experiment on how customers can be retained..

    Is customer service of the platinum class a good bait?  

    This has been talked about ad nauseum for quite some time; service can be the big differentiator.

    Convenience  be brought in and, if possible, local programming which can be picked up from the more advanced cable TV MSOs and retransmitted.

    There will come a time when subscribing to a nice plateful of streamers will become too expensive. Already some complaints are being voiced about the OTT bundles in the US. The commonly heard plaint is that they are  as – if not more – expensive than the pay TV bundles

    In India, we don’t have to wait for that to happen – Indian pay TV is cheap – very cheap. More than 400 linear channels are available in India for as low as Rs 300-350  on DTH and cable TV. An OTT aggregator will have to struggle to offer as much content at that price.

    The reality is both free TV and OTTs are here to stay. The question is: is India’s pay TV?

    (Picture of Dishes atop house courtesy Dish TV India) 

  • TRAI website gets a facelift

    TRAI website gets a facelift

    MUMBAI: Industry watchdog the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has got a new look online. It unveiled an upgraded website to broaden its reach to connect with a wider audience on 23 December 2024. 

    In recognition of the growing importance of social media, new sharing features facilitate the dissemination of regulatory information to all stakeholders. The website offers comprehensive information on telecom and broadcasting regulations, policies, laws, statistics and trends in India. These resources are easily accessible to the public, stakeholders, researchers, and international audiences.

    The new website includes the following additional features:

    • Introduction of a new dashboard for telecom & broadcasting sector.
    • Provision of data download for research.
    * A grid view feature, allowing users to view data in a new and interactive format.
    • In addition to sharing via email, users can now also share documents directly through major social media platforms, links for visualisation on Instagram, Youtube, Linkedin, Whatsapp, Facebook, X etc.
    • Online registration for subscription to latest TRAI  releases and updates.
    • Brief profile of the authority.
    • New website is compatible with iOS, Android & various platforms.
    • A blog with a facility for registered users to comment.
    • Provision to publish information about upcoming events.
    • Online registration for participation in open house discussions.
    • Compliance to accessibility features.
    • Tenders and notices
    • Concise and compiled regulations at a single place with amendments mentioned in foot notes.

    The new website, says a TRAI release,  will be hosted in the National Informatics Centre  (NIC) Cloud. The old website will run concurrently for three months after the going live of the new website. 

    A chatbot Tara (Telecom Authority Responsive Advisor) has been introduced to facilitate interactive search.

    Says an industry executive unwilling to be named: “It’s good that TRAI has renewed the look of its website online.  Hopefully, it will also start looking at industry with new eyes and listen to what the pay TV, OTT streamers, TV channels and distribution platform operators need to have healthy industry in which everyone benefits – including the government and the lay consumer.” 

  • Clear rules, bold frontiers: TRAI’s move to redefine international traffic

    Clear rules, bold frontiers: TRAI’s move to redefine international traffic

    MUMBAI: Clear rules don’t stifle innovation – they build trust and confidence in uncharted territories.

    In a landmark step poised to reshape India’s telecom landscape, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has introduced decisive recommendations to end the long-standing ambiguity surrounding the definition of international traffic. This long-awaited announcement, marked by relief and anticipation, is set to bring much-needed clarity and precision to the sector, fostering trust and confidence among stakeholders.

    Born out of a Department of Telecommunications (DoT) directive in August 2022, this pivotal development under Section 11(1)(a) of the TRAI Act, 1997, serves as a beacon of regulatory guidance. As the telecom industry ventures into uncharted territories of innovation and globalisation, these guidelines promise a clearer framework to distinguish between international and domestic SMS traffic—ushering in a new era of operational transparency and accountability.

    In line with its mandate, TRAI conducted extensive consultations through its paper released on 2 May 2023. The process engaged 20 stakeholders for comments and seven for counter-comments, followed by an open house discussion in August. These comprehensive efforts culminated in the establishment of robust definitions aimed at eliminating inconsistencies in the classification of SMS traffic.

    Key recommendations:

    1    Definition of International Traffic:
        “International traffic” is now defined as telecommunication traffic originating in one country and terminating in another, with one country being India.

    2    Definition of International SMS:
        An “International SMS message” constitutes international traffic delivered using SMS. Additionally, an explanation specifies that any incoming application-to-person (A2P) SMS requiring electronic devices or systems outside India will also fall under this category.

    3    Definition of Domestic Traffic:
        “Domestic traffic” encompasses all traffic originating and terminating within India.

    4    Definition of Domestic SMS:
        “Domestic SMS” is defined as domestic traffic transmitted via SMS.

    TRAI’s clear delineation between domestic and international SMS ensures fair treatment across telecom service providers and eliminates potential misuse of classifications. It also strengthens compliance with India’s telecommunication licensing framework.

    The recommendations are poised to enhance transparency and efficiency in the telecom ecosystem. By safeguarding revenue streams and simplifying compliance for telecom operators, this move aligns with TRAI’s vision to fortify India’s telecom sector in the digital age.

  • TRAI’s audit debate unveils industry turmoil

    TRAI’s audit debate unveils industry turmoil

    MUMBAI: What happens when expectations collide with cold, hard realities? The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s (TRAI) latest open house discussion (OHD) on the audit clauses of the Interconnection Regulations, 2017, pulled back the curtain on a brewing storm. A room teeming with stakeholders—digital platform operators, broadcasters, and industry leaders—revealed not just simmering discontent but also deep cracks in the system. Amid heated debates, calls for stricter penalties for defaulters clashed with the ongoing struggle to implement regulations effectively, leaving behind a mixed trail of frustration, hope, and hard questions.

    The discussion, which saw limited participation from broadcasters, revealed persistent gaps in compliance. All India Digital Cable Federation (AIDCF) secretary general, Manoj Chhangani called for stringent action against non-compliant multi-system operators (MSOs). “Broadcasters should be strictly prohibited from providing TV signals to MSOs who fail to conduct audits,” he asserted, suggesting public disclosure of defaulters on broadcasters’ websites.

    Siti Networks head of legal and regulatory department, Girish Bhuttan echoed Chhangani’s sentiment, advocating financial penalties and potential license cancellation for repeat offenders. However, Bhuttan expressed scepticism about the lack of enforcement, stating, “We have not seen any action against those not implementing these provisions. If not enforced, these rules lose their significance.”

    On the other hand, Consumer Care Society secretary, Gopal Ratnam cautioned against moves that might affect consumers, terming them “anti-consumer”. Ratnam predicted legal challenges if broadcasters disconnected signals for non-compliance.

    Broadcasters criticised the lack of transparency and enforcement, citing a history of excuses from DPOs, ranging from software issues to falsified audit reports. An industry veteran noted that 90 per cent of audits were either incomplete or improperly conducted in the past five years. “Denying or delaying audits is akin to saying, ‘Take the product and forget about it’”, the veteran said.

    Broadcasters also raised concerns over the quality of audit personnel, with many reports prepared by inexperienced trainees. To address this, the Indian Broadcasting & Digital Foundation (IBDF) proposed giving broadcasters primary rights to conduct DPO audits. “This would reduce the burden on smaller DPOs and ensure greater transparency,” said IBDF secretary, Radhakrishnan Nair.

    Industry participants emphasised the need for a structured approach to audits, better training for auditors, and stricter penalties for non-compliance. While some suggested collaboration with TRAI to refine the framework, others expressed doubts about the efficacy of current recommendations.

    As the discussion concluded, broadcasters reiterated the necessity of reforms to safeguard their revenues and maintain system integrity. With TRAI planning an open house discussion to finalise recommendations, the industry remains divided on how to balance enforcement with consumer interests.

  • FICCI, IBDF oppose TRAI’s proposed framework for broadcasting under Telecom Act

    FICCI, IBDF oppose TRAI’s proposed framework for broadcasting under Telecom Act

    MUMBAI: Imagine walking a tightrope without a safety net, knowing that a single misstep could send you plummeting.

    That’s exactly the precarious position the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) finds itself in after daring to blur the lines of its statutory jurisdiction. Like a rebellious teenager ignoring well-meant advice, TRAI’s bold move to propose a framework for regulating broadcasting services under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, has sparked a firestorm of backlash. Industry heavyweights, including the Indian Broadcasting and Digital Foundation (IBDF) and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), are up in arms, accusing TRAI of overstepping its authority by attempting to shoehorn content regulation into licensing conditions. The result? A Pandora’s box of controversy that could reshape the broadcasting landscape.

    IBDF and FICCI argue that content regulation should remain under dedicated legislation, overseen by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), and not be conflated with telecommunications services. TRAI’s role, they assert, should focus solely on carriage-related aspects such as signal transmission and spectrum allocation.

    IBDF’s submission criticised TRAI’s proposal as an overreach. “The framework attempts to regulate content, which is beyond TRAI’s jurisdiction as defined by the TRAI Act, 1997,” IBDF stated. The association emphasised that Section 11(1)(a) of the TRAI Act limits TRAI to recommending licensing terms and conditions, not fundamentally altering the regulatory structure of broadcasting.

    Similarly, FICCI highlighted the historical context, noting that broadcasting was placed under telecommunication services in 2004 as a stopgap measure to regulate distribution services. “Broadcasting is a distinct sector, and equating it with telecommunications disrupts industry operations and consumer satisfaction,” FICCI stated.

    The News Broadcasters and Digital Association (NBDA) also opposed the move, cautioning that the framework could impose restrictive telecommunications-style authorisations on broadcasting. “TRAI should collaborate with MIB to develop a coherent strategy that avoids overregulation and supports self-regulation mechanisms for content,” NBDA recommended.

    Both IBDF and FICCI called on TRAI to focus on carriage issues and exclude content from the proposed framework. FICCI further suggested strengthening self-regulation for content and maintaining the sector’s distinct regulatory framework under the MIB.

    TRAI has concluded the consultation process and will announce the date for an open house discussion with stakeholders to finalise the framework.

  • TRAI issues consultation paper on Broadcasting Service Authorisations under Telecom Act 2023

    TRAI issues consultation paper on Broadcasting Service Authorisations under Telecom Act 2023

    New Delhi – The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) released a consultation paper on Framework for Service Authorisations for provision of Broadcasting Services under the Telecommunications Act, 2023′.

    The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) through a letter dated 25 July 2024, sent a reference to TRAI informing that the Telecommunications Act, 2023 has been published in the Official Gazette of India. Section 3(1)(a) of the Telecommunications Act, 2023, which is yet to be notified, provides for obtaining an authorisation by any entity/ person intending to provide telecommunication services, subject to such terms and conditions, incuding fees or charges, as may be prescribed.

    In respect of the broadcasting services, the reference has apprised that many broadcasting platforms (which employ radio waves and spectrum for offering services) viz. DTH, HITS, IPTV, Uplinking/ Downlinking of television channels (including teleports), SNG, DSNG, Community Radio, FM Radio etc. are issued license/ permission/ registration by MIB under Section 4 of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, which is replaced by the Telecommunications Act, 2023. 

  • India emerges as content hub: I&B ministry hosts WAVE Summit 2025

    India emerges as content hub: I&B ministry hosts WAVE Summit 2025

    Mumbai: India is positioning itself as a global content hub, with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting spearheading initiatives to foster innovation in the broadcasting sector. The WAVESummit, scheduled from 5-9 February 2025, will challenge content creators with 27 unique opportunities, providing a national and international platform for talent showcasing and employment generation.

    On 17 October 2024, information and broadcasting minister of state, L. Murugan inaugurated a symposium on ‘Emerging Trends and Technologies in Broadcasting,’ hosted by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) during the India Mobile Congress 2024. The event witnessed key addresses by industry leaders, including TRAI chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti, ministry of I&B secretary Sanjay Jaju, and TRAI secretary Atul Kumar Chaudhary.

    Murugan emphasised that India’s broadcasting sector is undergoing a transformative phase due to technological advancements. With the rise of social media, the landscape of content creation has dramatically expanded, turning India into a major player in the global content economy. “We live in a content-driven economy, and India is emerging as a content hub,” said Murugan. He also highlighted the government’s focus on promoting content production through a streamlined single-window system to enhance the ease of doing business, particularly in the AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics) sector.

    Further supporting content growth, the union cabinet recently approved the auctioning of FM radio channels in 234 new cities, aiming to boost local content and create more employment opportunities. Murugan reaffirmed the government’s commitment to leveraging technological advancements to strengthen the broadcasting sector’s contribution to India’s economic and cultural development.

    Jaju, in his special address, emphasised the potential of digital radio and direct-to-mobile (D2M) broadcasting. He mentioned ongoing trials conducted by Prasar Bharati in collaboration with IIT Kanpur and Saankhya Labs, aiming to deliver content directly to mobile devices using low- and high-power transmitters. Jaju also underscored the transformative potential of 5G technology, particularly when combined with immersive media such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), which could redefine the content consumption experience.

    The symposium also focused on discussions around strengthening the regulatory framework. Chaudhary highlighted the necessity of adapting regulations to meet emerging technological needs. He noted that today’s discussions aim to shape future policies that ensure a balanced and inclusive broadcasting ecosystem.

    Lahoti highlighted the booming growth of India’s media & entertainment sector, projected to reach Rs 3.08 trillion by 2026, driven by new media platforms and immersive technologies. He reiterated TRAI’s commitment to fostering innovation through forward-looking regulatory recommendations.

    The symposium explored the future of immersive technologies, D2M, and 5G broadcasting. The event featured over 100 national and international participants, with expert speakers from various industries, including broadcasting and telecommunications.

  • TRAI issues consultation paper on regulatory framework for ground-based broadcasters

    TRAI issues consultation paper on regulatory framework for ground-based broadcasters

    Mumbai: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued a consultation paper titled ‘Regulatory framework for ground-based Broadcasters’, inviting input from stakeholders on the need for a regulatory framework to govern ground-based television broadcasting technologies.

    The ministry of information and broadcasting (MIB) has, over the years, issued guidelines for the uplinking and downlinking of satellite television channels in India. These guidelines mandate that broadcasters use satellite-based mediums to provide their channels to distribution platform operators (DPOs). However, advancements in technology have now made it feasible for broadcasters to distribute their content terrestrially. Like satellite-based television, terrestrial broadcasting can also be carried over multiple DPO networks, allowing commercial retransmission to subscribers.

    In light of these technological advancements, there is now a recognised need for a regulatory framework to enable the use of ground-based broadcasting technologies.

    TRAI had earlier forwarded recommendations on the regulation of platform services, including those relevant to ground-based broadcasters, to the MIB in 2014. However, the MIB’s recent communication, dated 22 May 2024, notes that while guidelines on platform services were issued in 2022, the context surrounding TRAI’s 2014 recommendations regarding ground-based broadcasting may have evolved. The MIB has thus requested TRAI to review and issue fresh recommendations under Section 11(1)(a) of the TRAI Act, 1997.

    In response, TRAI is now seeking comments on the newly released consultation paper. Stakeholders are invited to submit their comments by 15 November 2024, with counter-comments due by 29 November 2024. Comments can be submitted electronically to advbcs-2@trai.gov.in and jtadv-bcs@trai.gov.in.