Business Daily from THE HINDU group of publications
Thursday, Jun 05, 2008
ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version | Audio
Business Daily from THE HINDU group of publications Thursday, Jun 05, 2008 ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version | Audio |
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Info-Tech
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Regulatory Bodies & Rulings Web Extras - Radio/TV TRAI shares final comments on Satellite Radio Policy Our Bureau New Delhi, June 4 The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has sent its final comments on the draft Satellite Radio Policy proposed by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The radio service, currently offered by only World Space, uses the satellite system for single or multi- channel radio programmes by providing encrypted digital radio signals directly to subscribers’ receiver sets. The draft policy guidelines, amongst other things, distinguish between provision of satellite radio service (or the carriage of radio channels) and provision of content (or the radio channels themselves). Thus two different types of licences are being proposed in the draft policy. Licence detailsWhile one provides the satellite radio service for carriage and broadcasting of channels, the other entitles the permission holder to get registration for satellite radio channels, which he will in turn provide to satellite radio service operator for broadcasting. A radio service provider can also own licences for the channels. Some of the other important issues covered in the draft policy guidelines are eligibility criteria, period of licence, entry fee and annual license fee, technical standards, terrestrial repeaters, and other commercial conditions.
TRAI has recommended an auction of licences if the number of eligible applicants exceeds the number of licences being offered depending upon the availability of spectrum and satellite. It also suggests, “Initially, the Government may consider offering two licenses in addition to existing service provider.” Restrictions on news and advertisements in satellite radio service, proposed by the Government, have been found acceptable. As has been the Ministry’s proposal to permit terrestrial repeaters for satellite radio service so as to provide for high quality widespread coverage. Licences are to be granted for a period of 10 years initially, with provision for further extension of another 10 years. Licensees are obliged to roll out their services within one year of being granted permission. An annual licence fee of 4 per cent of the gross revenue has also been suggested. “It is expected that the draft guidelines with suggested modification would encourage the growth of satellite radio service with sufficient competition,” said TRAI in a statement. More Stories on : Regulatory Bodies & Rulings | Radio/TV
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