TRAI proposes broadcast fee overhaul under new authorisation regime

The regulatory authority has likewise recommended that tv circulation platforms ought to strive to adopt interoperable set-top boxes (STBs), allowing customers to switch company without altering their STB. This campaign aims to improve consumer selection and decrease digital waste. The Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) will develop and notify criteria for interoperable STBs and tv with built-in STB performance.

To secure the passions of service suppliers, the TRAI has actually recommended that modifications to solution authorisation conditions– except in issues of national protection– should call for TRAI’s suggestions.

Ultimately, the TRAI has proposed making the terms and conditions for radio broadcasting service modern technology agnostic, assisting in the adoption of digital innovation. The MIB must additionally develop different program and ad codes for radio broadcasting provider.

Furthermore, the TRAI has recommended eliminating the minimal total assets demand of Rs 100 crore for internet service providers (ISPs) providing IPTV services, straightening it with the stipulations of internet service authorisation under the Division of Telecom (DoT).

The TRAI has actually likewise proposed that the authorisation fee for radio broadcasting must be 4% of AGR for all cities and 2% for the North East, Jammu & Kashmir, and island regions. Presently, the annual cost for radio is either 4% of gross profits (GR) or 2.5% of the Non-Refundable One-Time Access Cost (NOTEF), whichever is greater, for all cities. For the North East, Jammu & Kashmir, and island areas, the annual fee was 2% of GR or 1.25% of NOTEF for the first three years, after which it straightened with various other cities.

Based on stakeholder feedback, the TRAI has actually likewise recommended bringing Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST) solution suppliers under the authorisation framework via a different assessment procedure. The regulatory authority mentioned that the MIB may think about an unique authorisation classification for FAST networks under television network circulation services. The TRAI said it would offer comprehensive conditions for FAST service authorisations once it obtains a reference from the MIB.

However, with the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, now reversed and replaced by the Telecommunications Act, 2023, Area 3( 1 )(a) of the new Act mandates authorisation for relaying solutions, subject to suggested terms, problems, and charges.

The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has actually advised lowering authorisation costs and bank guarantees for sure broadcasting distribution solutions while reiterating its earlier referral to phase out direct-to-home (DTH) licence costs by the end of FY27.

On 25 July 2024, the MIB sent out a letter to the TRAI seeking suggestions on the authorisation process for relaying solutions, aligning it with the Telecom Act, 2023, and harmonising conditions throughout different service providers.

The movement of existing licensees or authorization holders to the new authorisation regimen will certainly be voluntary until their existing licences or approvals end. No processing cost or entry charge will be needed for movement in the case of broadcasting solutions. Nonetheless, the legitimacy duration of the new service authorisation will certainly commence from the efficient day of movement, no matter the continuing to be credibility of the existing permit or consent.

Based on stakeholder feedback, the TRAI has actually likewise recommended bringing Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (QUICK) service providers under the authorisation structure with a separate appointment procedure. The regulatory authority stated that the MIB may consider a distinctive authorisation classification for FAST networks under tv network distribution solutions. The TRAI stated it would certainly supply thorough conditions for FAST solution authorisations once it gets a referral from the MIB.

The authority has also suggested that the MIB consider bringing multi-system operator (MSO) and regional wire operator (LCO) enrollments under the province of the Telecommunications Act, 2023. The TRAI kept in mind that the arrangements related to registration under the Cable television service Networks (Law) Act, 1995, may be repealed, while material policy of broadcasting services will certainly continue to be governed by that Act.

Under the current guidelines, licences, authorizations, and enrollments for numerous broadcasting solutions are released by the MIB under Area 4 of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, covering television networks, DTH, HITS, and cable solutions.

The TRAI has actually advised that relaying service authorisations be approved under Section 3( 1 )(a) of the Telecom Act, 2023, replacing the present method of releasing licences and authorizations under Area 4 of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885. The terms for solution authorisations will certainly be notified as rules under Section 56 of the Telecommunications Act, 2023.

The regulatory authority additionally observed that the inquiry of whether outrageous (OTT) platforms need to be brought under the authorisation framework needs more assessment with a different consultation process. Throughout the consultation procedure, stakeholders repeated that OTT systems need to be included in the authorisation structure to ensure parity with other broadcasting services.

The regulatory authority has actually also advised volunteer infrastructure sharing among broadcasting provider and with telecom company or facilities carriers, wherever practically and commercially practical.

For Headend-in-the-Sky (HITS) solutions, the TRAI has suggested decreasing the financial institution guarantee from the current Rs 40 crore for the first 3 years to Rs 5 crore for the entire legitimacy period. One more crucial suggestion is extending the validity duration of authorisations from ten years to two decades.

No handling charge or entry charge will be required for movement in the instance of broadcasting services. The credibility period of the new solution authorisation will start from the effective date of migration, no matter of the remaining validity of the existing licence or approval.