TRAI Releases Consultation Paper on Broadcasting Service Authorisations Under New Telecom Act

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has recently released a Consultation Paper to establish a new framework for authorising broadcasting services under the Telecommunications Act, 2023. The move follows a directive from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), which, in a letter dated July 25, 2024, highlighted the need to standardise authorisation procedures across broadcasting platforms.

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Shift from Indian Telegraph Act to Telecommunications Act 2023

The Telecommunications Act, 2023, which replaces the Indian Telegraph Act of 1885, requires broadcasting services such as DTH, HITS, IPTV, Uplinking/Downlinking of television channels (including teleports), SNG, DSNG, Community Radio, FM Radio etc. using radio waves and spectrum to secure authorisations aligned with the new regulations.

Standardising Authorisations

Section 3(1)(a) of the Act mandates that entities providing telecommunication services must obtain authorisation under specified terms, although this section is yet to be notified, the Ministry of Communications said Wednesday.

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Call for Comments

TRAI’s paper seeks public input on terms, conditions, and fees for broadcasting authorisations to harmonise standards across service providers. The consultation paper is available on TRAI’s website for stakeholder feedback by November 20th 2024 and counter-comments by November 27th 2024, respectively.