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  • Comment: 3 areas that new MIB minister Rathore needs to target

    Comment: 3 areas that new MIB minister Rathore needs to target

    In a recent reshuffle of his cabinet colleagues and their portfolios initiated by PM Modi, a surprise move was not Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) minister Smriti Irani’s removal, but handing the independent charge of the portfolio to her till-now junior, Rajyavardhan Rathore.

    There is some merit in giving Rathore full responsibility of MIB, which was conceptualised by the nation’s founding fathers to be the government interface with the media and public, in general. That MIB could have lost its relevance in this digital age – an issue being debated in certain quarters – is another story altogether for some other time. Why Rathore at the helm of MIB seems just what the doctor advised?

    First, he is young and suave. Second, he comes with a good pedigree of being an army officer and an Olympic medalist. Third, he’s comparatively young and has built a youth and people-friendly image, apart from his work as independent charge holder at Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports – his latest initiative on Twitter, #HumFitTohIndiaFit , aimed at encouraging fitness by inviting celebs is already a hit on social media.

    As Rathore has served as a junior MIB minister long enough to get to know the complex issues that come with the terrain, it is expected that he is best suited to address the challenges being faced by the media industry. But for that, he needs to aim at the following three areas and hit the bull’s eye.

    Content Regulation

    The previous MIB minister waded into controversies because of her largely perceived unpopular move to create a panel in April this year to explore regulations for online media/news portals and online content. It did not help her or the government’s cause as this announcement, though being hinted at for several months, came close on the heels of a widely protested move to cancel the accreditation of journalists if found peddling fake news, while the government did not define clearly what constituted a fake news. Though the order was rescinded at the behest of the PM’s Office, the online content committee lingers on directionless and with nobody willing to father the baby presently. That this move antagonised not just online journalists, but also social media players (many of whom are backed and funded by government’s sympathisers) and video-on- demand portals is a story in itself.

    Rathore knows media in India enjoys certain constitutional freedoms, including the right to exercise freedom of speech and expression. Therefore, any move targeted at “regulating” such content shall only be interpreted as silencing criticism. That the online committee is packed with government officials with minuscule industry representation and zero presence of online media raises questions on government’s motives.

    What’s more, doubts have also been raised on the jurisdictional propriety of MIB to create such a committee in the first place. The government allocation of business rules that determine the remit of various government agencies clearly highlights that for all “policy matters relating to information technology; electronics; and Internet” only Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeITY) is competent to make decisions. The ambit of MIB is limited only to “the enunciation and implementation of the law relating to radio and television broadcasting in India by private Indian companies or Indian nationals”.

    With multiple laws applicable on online content, there seems to be no need of any additional regulation for online content, though MeITY could think otherwise, but it’s for it to take a call. Still, a self-regulating mechanism that places uniform standards over user-generated content platforms and video-on-demand portals is the need of the day. This shall also be in line with Rathore’s views expressed after assuming full charge at MIB where he stressed upon self-regulation as the only means of regulating media.

    As the final authority at MIB now, Rathore needs to walk the talk on online content regulation and, probably, let the committee set up by his predecessor die a natural death.

    Online content aside, in the world of traditional broadcasting there is a need to strengthen the already established self-regulatory mechanisms such as the Broadcasting Content Complaints Council (BCCC) of the IBF and a similar self-regulatory set-up of the NBA India.

    Ease of Doing Business

    It would be an understatement to say that the past year has been a difficult period for the Indian media and entertainment (M&E) sector what with after-effects of demonetisation of high-value currency notes and a new tax regime of GST rolled out last year. The story remains the same for ease of doing business in the sector as well.

    On this aspect, Rathore could focus on the recommendations made by Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on`Ease of Doing Business in Broadcasting Sector’ and implement them in letter and spirit.

    A unilateral decision by the previous leadership of MIB to impose a processing fee of Rs 100,000 per day/channel on temporary live uplinking of events (such as sports) and the same amount for seeking minor amendments (like change in name, logo, etc) has been causing heart burns.

    What was the rationale behind such moves to review processing fees? Allegedly non-revision for several years and that such a move could bring in some revenue for the government. But, should a government use licensing/permission fee as means of revenue maximisation? Probably, no.

    Another issue that demands attention from Rathore is the denial of permissions by DoS to satellite TV channels using private satellite capacity, especially foreign. Here, the newly appointed minister shall have to display his trademark leadership and try to resolve the concerns of his constituents (TV channels, DTH operators, teleport operators, etc) vis-a-vis DoS.

    Building an Investment Friendly Environment

    In the recently held global Asia Media Summit 2018 in New Delhi, PM Narendra Modi said that Asia has emerged as a promising region for media businesses and offers opportunities for international cooperation. This statement highlights his government’s push for increasing investment inflow across sectors of the Indian economy – including creative industries such as M&E.

    In this respect, Rathore will have to hit the road running — which he has done — and look at all the factors impeding investments in the sectors under him. This could necessitate reviewing licensing conditions and guidelines, which many in the industry believe hamper investments.

    Can Rathore bite the bullet and recreate the magic that he unveiled one fine day years back to get India the first Olympic medal in an individual event? Certainly, he can. Keep tuned in for the next episode.

    Also Read :

    MIB clears TV channel applications; Rathore calls for stakeholder meets

    Comment: India’s NTP 2018 gets digital makeover but needs complimentary policies

    Comment: MIB’s botched whip on fake news akin to testing waters

    M&E to add 1 mn jobs in 5 years: Sudhanshu Vats

  • TRAI suggests auction of 200 khz band for digital radio broadcast

    TRAI suggests auction of 200 khz band for digital radio broadcast

    NEW DELHI: While recommending financial incentives by government, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) today recommended auctioning of 200 KHz bandwidth spectrum in VHF-II band for providing digital radio broadcasting services.

    “Auction should be carried out in phases, starting with cities of category A+ and A, and subsequently in cities of other categories,” TRAI said while releasing a series of recommendations for ushering in digital radio broadcasting services in India.

    TRAI further added: “Immediately after the successful auction of spectrum for digital radio broadcasting, an offer should be made to the existing FM radio broadcasters to get their existing frequency bandwidth of +100 KHz, already allocated through auction in Phase-III of FM radio, liberalised and provide digital radio broadcasting services in simulcast mode with analog FM radio services.”

    Suggesting further liberalisation of existing spectrum, already allocated to the FM radio broadcasters in Phase-III of FM radio, according to TRAI, the existing FM players will have to pay an amount equal to the difference of auction determined price of equivalent spectrum for digital radio broadcasting in a city and amount paid for allocation of FM radio frequency.

    At present, analog terrestrial radio broadcast in India is carried out in medium wave (MW) short wave (SW) and VHF-II (FM band) spectrum bands. AIR, the public service broadcaster, has established 467 radio stations encompassing 662 radio transmitters, which include 140 MW, 48 SW and 474 FM transmitters. Private sector radio broadcasters are licensed to transmit programs in FM frequency band (88-108 MHz) only and presently operate through 322 radio stations in 86 cities. Presently, radio signals are largely transmitted in analog mode in the country.

    Analog terrestrial radio broadcasting, when compared with digital mode, is inefficient and suffers from operational restrictions. With the advancement in technologies, digital radio technologies around the globe have been developed and adopted by a number of countries in order to offer more choice to listeners along with efficient use of spectrum. Digital Radio broadcasting provides a number of advantages over analog radio broadcasting. The biggest advantage of digital radio is that it is possible to broadcast three to four channels on a single frequency carrier, while ensuring excellent quality of audio for all the channels whereas analog mode broadcasts only one channel on a frequency carrier.

    The TRAI said it hopes the recommendations would enable a smooth transition from analog to digital radio broadcasting services, without disruption of the existing FM Radio services.

    The salient features of the recommendations are as follows:

    — Government should notify the policy framework for digital radio broadcasting in India in time bound manner with clear roadmap for rollout of digital radio broadcasting services.

    — The WPC wing of telecoms Ministry should carry out necessary amendments in NFAP- 2011 for permitting digital radio broadcasting in MW, SW, and VHF-II frequency bands.

    — Private sector should .be permitted to provide digital radio broadcasting services within the existing frequency band of 88 -108 MHz used for FM radio broadcasting.

    — Frequency and geographical area coverage planning for digital radio broadcasting using the vacant 600 KHz spectrum in VHF-II (88 -108 MHz) and VHF-III (174-230 MHz) bands should be completed by BECIL, AIR, and WPC together in phased manner.

    — 200 KHz bandwidth spectrum in VHF-II band should be auctioned for providing digital radio broadcasting services.

    — In case market determined price of 200 KHz for digital radio broadcasting is less than or equal to the price paid by FM radio broadcasters then FM radio broadcasters will not be required to pay any additional amount and it will be permitted to provide digital radio broadcasting services also for the remaining period of permission.

    — The broadcasters should be allowed to make use of any available digital technology, recognised by ITU, within the allocated/liberalised spectrum for providing digital radio broadcasting services subject to adaptation, if any, recommended by MIB/TRAI from time to time.

    — No date for digital switch over of radio broadcasting services should be declared at this stage.

    — Existing analog FM radio channels should be allowed to remain operational for the remaining period of their Phase-III permissions.

     — The continuance of operation of existing analog FM radio channels that do not migrate to digital radio broadcasting should be reviewed after the expiry of their existing Phase-III permissions.

    — The auction of remaining channels of Phase-III should be done by delinking them from technology. Broadcasters should be permitted to use any technology (analog or digital or both) for radio broadcasting on the frequency allocated to them through auction in future.

    — For initial three years after declaration of digital radio broadcasting policy, the government should grant fiscal incentives in the form of lower tax rates to manufacturers of digital radio receivers.

    Also Read:

    TRAI seeks to regulate online streaming platforms

    Trai paper seeks to streamline uplinking, downlinking norms

  • TRAI issues directions to prevent TSPs from blocking spectrum

    NEW DELHI: Taking note of the huge wastage due to blocked spectrum causing inconvenience to consumers, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has directed that a Unified Access Service (UAS) licensee must surrender such spectrum immediately upon closure of wireless access services if he decides to close down its wireless access services which were being provided through the administratively assigned spectrum.

    In its directions issued today related to closure of access services, TRAI says a UAS licensee should be permitted to discontinue any of the services, permitted under the scope of licence without the need to surrender the licence.

    In case of closure of access services through any technology in the entire service area or a part of it, the TSP should be mandated to give a 60 days notice to the licensor and TRAI and 30 days notice to its effected subscribers, clearly stating the options available to the subscribers, including that of Mobile Number Portability (MNP) facility.

    The Authority has recommended various time-lines to be followed by Department of Telecom/WPC and the Licensee in the spectrum trading process. These timelines will bring greater clarity and certainty in the entire process of spectrum trading. If the entire spectrum in all bands is being sold by a licensee and will result in discontinuation of services, recommended timelines will remove uncertainties and facilitate the TSPs to given 60 days notice to DoT/TRAI and 30 days notice to its subscribers.

    If a subscriber wants to switch from one technology to other, within the same TSP, the same should not come under the definition MNP.  

    At the outset, TRAI has said that due to adoption of market based spectrum management, the continuance of access service is now no longer assured. Recently, there have been cases where due to reasons such as licensee failing to re-acquire its spectrum holding in a band on expiry of its license validity period; change of technology deployed by licensee; sale of entire spectrum holding through spectrum trading; roaming arrangement coming to an end; etc., there has been closure of access services being provided by the licensee. As a result subscribers had to face lot of inconveniences.

    The directions are aimed at ensuring that subscribers are not put to undue hardships due to closure of access services.

    The Authority had suo-motu issued a Consultation Paper on “Issues related to closure of Access Services” on 30 November 2016 seeking the comments of the stakeholders and an Open House Discussion was held on 28 April 2017 at New Delhi.

    Also Read:

    Broadband connectivity in gram panchayats to be completed by Mar ’19

    Star India-TRAI jurisdiction case to come up in Madras HC today

    TRAI tariff: AIDCF impleads in Tata Sky, Airtel Digital pleas 

  • TRAI reducing TSP/ISPs & VSAT service-providers’ burden: Broadband Forum

    NEW DELHI: Expressing satisfaction that many of its demands had been met in the latest recommendations by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, Broadband India Forum has said it is a small but significant step in the right direction to help reduce the burden of the TSP/ISPs as well as that of the VSAT service-providers thereby  paving the way for a more active engagement of the ISPs and TSPs offering Internet Access Services to increase broadband penetration in the country

    BIF president T V Ramachandran hoped that this would be the first of many such recommendations from the Regulator to expedite broadband penetration and the vision of the prime minister to fully realise the dream of ‘Digital India’.

    He said the recommendations for streamlining the procedure/process of allocation of satellite capacity and the frequency allocation subsequently by WPC for VSAT service providers and capping it to be provided in a time bound manner –within a span of  three months was indeed praiseworthy.

    He said further went on to mention that the idea of a single window clearance for all clearances/approvals/payments through a transparent online mechanism was a “wonderful and welcome idea in this age of digital payments and single point responsibility”.

    Ramachandran said BIF’s position stand vindicated on many of the points made by the Regulator stand vindicated. These include the given spectrum bands be charged administratively and on a link-by-link basis; P-AGR should not be prescribed either for ISP licenses or for Commercial VSAT Licenses; SUC calculation/determination should continue to be based on the existing formula instead of as a percentage of the AGR; and delayed payment in case of SUC should be charged on the basis of SBI PLR +2%.

    Also Read :

    Industry surprised on Deepak’s transfer from DoT, Jio connection refuted

    5G network: Huawei launches 5000 series station & microwave bearer solution

    Don’t levy spectrum usage charges as percentage of AGR: TRAI

  • Doordarshan agrees to apply for permission for four IGNOU channels

    Doordarshan agrees to apply for permission for four IGNOU channels

    NEW DELHI: Doordarshan has agreed to apply for licence to telecast four channels of the Indira Gandhi National Open University, even as the 32 channels of the Human Resource Development Minstry are still to find a place in the pubcaster’s Freedish.

    Interestingly, one Gyan Darshan channel and one one Gyani channel had been taken off DD and All India Radio respectively in 2014 for non-clearance of dues.

    Under a Memorandum of Understanding now signed between Doordarshan and IGNOU regarding the transmission of four Gyan Darshan Educational channels, DD has agreed to apply for permission to telecast four Gyan Darshan channels from IGNOU Earth Station Delhi to operate in C-band from GSAT-10. IGNOU is not eligible to apply under the Uplinking and Downlinking Guidelines as it is not a broadcaster.

    The Gyan Darshan Bouquet of Educational TV Channels is an educational media initiative of MHRD in collaboration with the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, Prasar Bharati and the Indian Space Research Organization with IGNOU as the nodal agency.

    It consists of four TV Channels: GD-I & II (by IGNOU), GD-III – Eklava (by Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi), and GD-IV – Vyas Channel (by University Grants Commission, CEC).

    Gyan Darshan had been initially launched on 26 January 2000 as a solitary 24×7 hour satellite channel under the banner of Doordarshan which provided a Transponder on INSAT 2B satellite, free of cost.

    Gyan Darshan ran successfully till 2 June 2014 as a must carry channel for educational programmes but was shut down by ISRO to facilitate its migration from INSAT 3C to GSAT-10.
    IGNOU now needs to apply for a fresh License to start the uplinking of its Channels for GSAT-10 Satellite.

    Speaking on the occasion, DD DG Supriya Sahu said, “I am happy that we have signed this MOU with IGNOU and joined hands with a premier institution like IGNOU. This partnership would ensure that the educational channels of IGNOU reach and benefit millions of students across the country. I think this is one of the most outstanding initiatives in the field of Public Broadcasting”.

    IGNOU Vice Chancellor Ravindra Kumar said, “Gyandarshan has always been a flagship programme for IGNOU and educational community. Today we (IGNOU & DD) are both happy and enormously excited that Gyandarshan has once again become a reality.”

    Earlier in October 2014, indiantelevision.con and radioandmusic.com had reported that the channels Gyan Darshan and Gyanvani had been shut down because of non-payment. While the figures were DD were not available, AIR DG Fayyaz Sheheryar had said the dues amounted to more than Rs 21.6 crore.

    He had then said that it had to be understood that Gyanvani and Gyandarshan were radio and television channels respectively run and owned by IGNOU and Prasar Bharati only provided the platform for the broadcasts.

    Later, IGNOU had launched these channels on the Internet. indiantelevision.com had learnt at the time that IGNOU had applied to WPC for a licence to run television channels, but had been refused by the Department of Telecom which had told them that only Doordarshan can apply for such a channel.

    But DD had refused to apply for the channel on behalf of IGNOU in view of the report by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India which bars allotment of licences to government bodies to start their own channels.

    These web-based channels can be accessed by the students directly from their homes at http://www.ignouonline.ac.in/Broadcast/ without having to go to the Regional Centres or Local Study Centres.

  • Doordarshan agrees to apply for permission for four IGNOU channels

    Doordarshan agrees to apply for permission for four IGNOU channels

    NEW DELHI: Doordarshan has agreed to apply for licence to telecast four channels of the Indira Gandhi National Open University, even as the 32 channels of the Human Resource Development Minstry are still to find a place in the pubcaster’s Freedish.

    Interestingly, one Gyan Darshan channel and one one Gyani channel had been taken off DD and All India Radio respectively in 2014 for non-clearance of dues.

    Under a Memorandum of Understanding now signed between Doordarshan and IGNOU regarding the transmission of four Gyan Darshan Educational channels, DD has agreed to apply for permission to telecast four Gyan Darshan channels from IGNOU Earth Station Delhi to operate in C-band from GSAT-10. IGNOU is not eligible to apply under the Uplinking and Downlinking Guidelines as it is not a broadcaster.

    The Gyan Darshan Bouquet of Educational TV Channels is an educational media initiative of MHRD in collaboration with the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, Prasar Bharati and the Indian Space Research Organization with IGNOU as the nodal agency.

    It consists of four TV Channels: GD-I & II (by IGNOU), GD-III – Eklava (by Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi), and GD-IV – Vyas Channel (by University Grants Commission, CEC).

    Gyan Darshan had been initially launched on 26 January 2000 as a solitary 24×7 hour satellite channel under the banner of Doordarshan which provided a Transponder on INSAT 2B satellite, free of cost.

    Gyan Darshan ran successfully till 2 June 2014 as a must carry channel for educational programmes but was shut down by ISRO to facilitate its migration from INSAT 3C to GSAT-10.
    IGNOU now needs to apply for a fresh License to start the uplinking of its Channels for GSAT-10 Satellite.

    Speaking on the occasion, DD DG Supriya Sahu said, “I am happy that we have signed this MOU with IGNOU and joined hands with a premier institution like IGNOU. This partnership would ensure that the educational channels of IGNOU reach and benefit millions of students across the country. I think this is one of the most outstanding initiatives in the field of Public Broadcasting”.

    IGNOU Vice Chancellor Ravindra Kumar said, “Gyandarshan has always been a flagship programme for IGNOU and educational community. Today we (IGNOU & DD) are both happy and enormously excited that Gyandarshan has once again become a reality.”

    Earlier in October 2014, indiantelevision.con and radioandmusic.com had reported that the channels Gyan Darshan and Gyanvani had been shut down because of non-payment. While the figures were DD were not available, AIR DG Fayyaz Sheheryar had said the dues amounted to more than Rs 21.6 crore.

    He had then said that it had to be understood that Gyanvani and Gyandarshan were radio and television channels respectively run and owned by IGNOU and Prasar Bharati only provided the platform for the broadcasts.

    Later, IGNOU had launched these channels on the Internet. indiantelevision.com had learnt at the time that IGNOU had applied to WPC for a licence to run television channels, but had been refused by the Department of Telecom which had told them that only Doordarshan can apply for such a channel.

    But DD had refused to apply for the channel on behalf of IGNOU in view of the report by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India which bars allotment of licences to government bodies to start their own channels.

    These web-based channels can be accessed by the students directly from their homes at http://www.ignouonline.ac.in/Broadcast/ without having to go to the Regional Centres or Local Study Centres.

  • Non-news temporary uplinking approvals in 15 days

    Non-news temporary uplinking approvals in 15 days

    NEW DELHI: Applications from all non-news (general entertainment) television companies for temporary uplinking permission from the Government should be made at least 15 days prior to the scheduled events.

    In a note put up on its website, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry said such applications would be rejected if they did not follow the norms as mentioned in the application form of temporary uplinking permission.

    The note said: “It may be borne in mind that after permission from this Ministry, the WPC wing under Communications and Information Technology Ministry also requires minimum three days time to process such applications.”

    It said strict compliance with these instructions will ensure timeliness in processing of the requests.

    The note said: “It has been observed in this Ministry that, while applying for permission for uplinking of various events for temporary uplinking permission, some applicants are applying at the very last moment, sometimes just a few days prior to or the day before the scheduled events, thus not allowing this Ministry even the minimum processing time to work on those applications.”

    It had been notified from time to time, the last being on 9 January 2015 on the Ministry’s website, that applications are required to be submitted at least l5 days prior to the proposed date of uplinking of the event.

  • Non-news temporary uplinking approvals in 15 days

    Non-news temporary uplinking approvals in 15 days

    NEW DELHI: Applications from all non-news (general entertainment) television companies for temporary uplinking permission from the Government should be made at least 15 days prior to the scheduled events.

    In a note put up on its website, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry said such applications would be rejected if they did not follow the norms as mentioned in the application form of temporary uplinking permission.

    The note said: “It may be borne in mind that after permission from this Ministry, the WPC wing under Communications and Information Technology Ministry also requires minimum three days time to process such applications.”

    It said strict compliance with these instructions will ensure timeliness in processing of the requests.

    The note said: “It has been observed in this Ministry that, while applying for permission for uplinking of various events for temporary uplinking permission, some applicants are applying at the very last moment, sometimes just a few days prior to or the day before the scheduled events, thus not allowing this Ministry even the minimum processing time to work on those applications.”

    It had been notified from time to time, the last being on 9 January 2015 on the Ministry’s website, that applications are required to be submitted at least l5 days prior to the proposed date of uplinking of the event.

  • TRAI’s Khullar lashes out at DoT for delay in giving spectrum to Airtel and Vodafone

    TRAI’s Khullar lashes out at DoT for delay in giving spectrum to Airtel and Vodafone

    NEW DEHI: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has lashed out at the Department of Telecom (DoT), noting that it is “unable to understand the reasons for the inordinate delay in the assignment of spectrum despite the clear provision in the notice inviting applications fo the assignment of spectrum and after the payment has been made by the licencees.

     

    In a letter by TRAI chairman Rahul Khullar to Telecom secretary Rakesh Garg, it has been stated that the Authority is seriously concerned that this delay on the part of WPC in assigning spectrum in the 1800 MHz band may lead to a partial breakdown of services offered by  Airtel and  Vodafone especially in Delhi, the national capital.

    This will inconvenience consumers greatly. Both these operators have around 20 million subscribers in Delhi which constitute around 45 per cent of the total subscriber base of Delhi Licence Service Area. It is apprehended that in December 2014, there will be a serious deterioration in the quality of service to these subscribers because of call drops, network congestions etc.
     
    The Authority has suggested that the DoT should immediately call a meeting of both Telecom Service Providers and arrive at a feasible solution so that consumers’ inconvenience can be avoided.
     
    At the outset, Khullar said in the three metros of Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata, the first two CMTS/UAS licences given in 1994 are due to expire on 29/30 November 2014. These “expiry” licensees were holding spectrum in the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz band which was put to auction in the February 2014 auctions. Except Loop which did not participate in the auctions, other “expiry” licensees.  and Vodafone were successful in re-acquiring spectrum in these LSAs.
     
    In the Delhi LSA, Airtel and Vodafone, which were both having 8MHz in 900 MHz, could re-acquire only 6 and 5 MHz of 900 MHz band respectively in the auctions. Moreover, the spot frequencies now assigned to them are almost entirely different from the earlier different from the earlier assignment.  To make up for the shortfall int eh 900 MHz band, these TSPs have acquired additional spectrum in the 1800 MHz band, but it will require sufficient time to build a new network in the 1800 MHz spectrum.  In addition, in the Delhi LSA, Idea has acquired 5 MHz in the 900 MHz band, which has to be assigned to it after getting it vacated from these two TSPs.
     
    As reported by these TSPs, this whole exercise of change over of frequencies will need to be carried out in two stages. First, these TSPs will have to build a new network of 1800 MHz spectrum by putting new BTSs and augmenting the capacity of the existing ones. In the second stage, they will have to reduce their holding in the
    900 MHz band in steps and carry out swapping of spectrum andreleasing spectrum to the new entrant (Idea). Both of them will berequired to do rigorous planning and work in tandem. The above change  over  will be  a huge challenge  as all these changes are to be carried out on a live network catering to millions of subscribers and any lapse may result in service interruption and serious deterioration in quality of service.
     
    Anticipating the above challenges in mind, the Authority, in its recommendations on ‘Auction of Spectrum’ dated 23 April 2012 had recommended that the 900 MHz spectrum be auctioned at least 18 months in advance so as to enable the winning bidders to be ready with the deployment plans. According to the NIA of 12 December 2013 for the auctions of February 2014 in case of bidders whose licenses were about to expire in 2014, the effective date of spectrum assignment in 1800 MHz band, will be the preferred date of allotment of spectrum indicated by the successful bidders which in no case shall be later than date of expiry of existing licenses in the respective service area.
     
    Khullar noted that media reports had reported and Vodafone and Airtel had told the Authority that there has been inordinate delay in the assignment of spectrum in the 1800 MHz band. Vodafone says it has been assigned spectrum only on 10 October 2014, that is, after almost 8 months from the February 2014 auctions despite a number of representations to the WPC.
     
    In its representation of 16 October, Vodafone has indicated that it would require at least one week for the deployment of new frequencies assigned in the 1800 MHz band and 9 weeks for freeing up the excess 3MHz in the 900 MHz band in a progressive manner.  Subsequently, it would require another three weeks’ time for swapping of its frequencies in the 900 MHz band with Airtel.
     
    However, only seven weeks are left before the expiry of licences, Khullar noted.

     

  • Hinduja group pays HITS licence fee

    Hinduja group pays HITS licence fee

    MUMBAI: Grant Investrade, which is a 100 per cent subsidiary of Hinduja Ventures, today paid the Rs 10 crore licence fee to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB). The group is now awaiting the MIB’s letter of intent to apply for the WPC clearance. 

     
    With this, the $100 million HITS Hinduja project will start rolling out. “We made the payment today. We are eagerly waiting for the letter of intent by the MIB to proceed with the next step,” informs IMCL MD & group CEO Tony D’silva exclusively to indiantelevision.com.

     

    Following this, the company will also make the Rs 40 crore bank guarantee deposit. “We will now move towards signing agreements with the satellite provider and finalising site location,” adds D’silva.

     

    The next 10 days are going to be very busy for D’silva, who is at the helm of the HITS project. The company will start with the promotional activities, discussions with the last mile owners, creation of organisational structure, appointment of distributors and discussions with vendors in the next one week or so.

     

    “The HITS project will be up and running in the next six months,” he informs.

     

    While the HITS licence was obtained on 6 March, what took the company so long to pay the licence fee? Answers D’silva, “When we got the permission, immediately the elections dates were announced, so we lost time on that. Also we weren’t clear whether the government was committed to phase III and IV. Now since we have enough clarity, we decided to go ahead with the first step of paying the licence fee.”

     

    Through HITS, the company is looking at capturing 15-20 per cent of the 120 million households in phase III and phase IV markets. While the technology team is already in place, the others will be appointed soon.

     

    D’silva hopes to be able to create better packages for the HITS platform. “Broadcasters should consider re-pricing their channels. The packaging and bundling of channels needs to be different for phase III and IV. With phase I and II contributing to 75 per cent or more of their existing revenues that is from 30 million homes, phase III and IV which has close to 100 million homes, the broadcasters should reduce their rates to one-third of the existing rates,” he opines.

     

    Apart from HITS, the group’s IndusInd Media and Communications Limited (IMCL) will also see a major boost in terms of the number of channels the MSO currently provides. “We will be increasing the number of channel offering from the current 350 to 500. This will help us become more competitive on ground,” he says.

     

    IMCL in the next one or one and a half months will also launch a prepaid model for its subscribers. “We are talking to other MSOs in Mumbai and the Maharashtra Cable Operators Federation (MCOF) for this. I am hoping that all the other MSOs across the country will also join us for the prepaid model,” says D’silva.

     

    The HITS model will have a complete different vertical which will cater to all the content and video on demand (VOD) services requirements. “The services will be made available to all the LMOs along with IMCL,” concludes D’silva.