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New Delhi, Sept. 18 In a move that would intensify competition in the broadcasting sector, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has proposed to allow new players for offering mobile TV services. While existing integrated telecom players will be able to offer mobile TV services, TRAI has suggested that a new class of operators should also be allowed under fresh guidelines.

“It needs to be clearly understood that depending upon the final recommendations by the TRAI and the Government’s decision, the mobile TV operator would be a new class of operator, in a manner similar to a DTH operator, a cable operator or different types of telecom operators. Thus, there would be separate guidelines and licensing conditions, which would give a formal legal status to mobile TV operator,” TRAI said, in a consultation paper for formulating guidelines for mobile TV service providers.

Currently, broadcasting services are being offered by Cable TV operators, DTH service providers and Internet Television Protocol players.

Mobile television services refer to provision of television services to subscribers for viewing on handheld or portable devices.

Technically, there are two main ways of delivering television content to mobile devices. The television content could be provided via the mobile telecommunications networks or by using the broadcasting technologies.

Currently, only Doordarshan has commercially launched the service. Mobile operators are offering video clips to their subscribers but can foray into full fledged TV content only after third generation (3G) services are launched.

TRAI clarified that existing telecom players will not be affected by the proposed guidelines. “Since the delivery of video content over mobile telecommunication network is already permitted as per the licensing conditions of unified access service providers and cellular licencees, it is felt that these telecom licencees should not again be required to obtain mobile TV operator’s license to provide the TV channels on mobile handset using their network,” the TRAI said.

The consultation paper has sought stakeholders’ views on a number of issues, including entry fee, foreign direct investment limit, technologies, spectrum allocation and eligibility conditions for new mobile TV operators.

More Stories on : Convergence | Radio/TV | Regulatory Bodies & Rulings

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