The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (“TRAI”) has issued consultation paper on Framework for Service Authorisations for provision of Broadcasting Services to be granted under the Telecommunications Act, 2023. Comments are invited from relevant stakeholders by 20.11.2024 and counter comments by 27.11.2024 in electronic form addressing to Shri Deepak Sharma, Advisor (B&CS), Telecom Regulatory Authority of India at advbcs-2@trai.gov.in and jtadvisor-bcs@trai.gov.in.
Background:
The Telecommunications Act, 2023 amends and consolidates the law relating to development, expansion and operation of telecommunication services and telecommunication networks, assignment of spectrum, and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
The consultation paper addresses several critical areas that require feedback and suggestions, which will be instrumental in shaping the terms and conditions for the authorisations of broadcasting services. Key areas for consideration include:
- Whether any safeguards are required to protect the reasonable interests of the Authorised Entities of the various broadcasting services or not.
- Seeking comments on Scope of Service for various Broadcasting services and the corresponding Service Area. If not, stakeholders are requested to submit their comments, if any additions/ modifications/ deletions are required in the Scope of Service and Service Area, along with necessary justifications.
- Seeking comments on terms and conditions to be included in the first set of Rules i.e., for Grant of Service Authorisations.
- Seeking comments on terms and conditions to be included in the second set of Rules, namely, The Broadcasting (Television Programming, Television Distribution and Radio) Services Rules.
- Whether the extant penal provisions for breach of terms and conditions of license/ permission are appropriate or required to be modified to align with the provisions of the Telecommunications Act, 2023? If so, please provide a detailed response with justifications. If not, whether the said penal provisions should be adopted mutatis mutandis;
- Whether the scope of service for the FM radio service be made Pan-India instead of City to allow an authorised entity to participate in e-auction process of any City in India;
- What should be the minimum net-worth requirement for obtaining service authorisation for FM Radio broadcasting services?
- Whether any changes are required in the extant processing fee (for new authorisation/renewal), annual authorisation fee (erstwhile annual permission fee) and other fees applicable on the following for the formulation of the terms and conditions of the authorisation for these services?
- Uplinking of a Television Channel
- Downlinking of a Television Channel
- News Agency for Television Channel(s)
- Teleport/ Teleport Hub
- Any other services related to Television Channels.
- Seeking comments/ feedback from stakeholders on the draft authorisation framework and the terms and conditions of broadcasting service authorisations to be included in the Rules made under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
Source: Telecom Regulatory Authority of India
