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Key Points

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released comprehensive recommendations for digital radio broadcasting. These guidelines cover 13 major Indian cities and propose a simulcast mode for radio services. Broadcasters will be able to transmit multiple channels with enhanced audio quality and new listener options. The policy aims to modernize radio broadcasting while providing flexibility for existing and new operators.

Key Points: TRAI Unveils Digital Radio Policy for Private Broadcasters

  • TRAI recommends digital radio services for 13 major Indian cities
  • Broadcasters can transmit one analog and three digital channels
  • Authorization valid for 15 years with revenue-based fees
  • Simulcast mode mandatory for new radio operators
2 min read

TRAI releases recommendations on digital radio broadcast policy for private broadcasters

TRAI recommends digital radio broadcasting guidelines for major Indian cities, offering new opportunities for broadcasters and enhanced listener experiences.

"Digital radio broadcasting can provide new opportunities to radio broadcasters - TRAI Official Statement"

New Delhi, Oct 3

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on Friday released recommendations for a digital radio broadcast policy for private broadcasters.

The guidelines include terms, conditions, and reserve prices for launching digital radio broadcasting services in four "A+" category cities -- Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai -- and nine "A" cities: Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Surat, Pune, Jaipur, Lucknow, Kanpur, and Nagpur.

The ministry announced that digital radio services will launch in simulcast mode, mandating new broadcasters to adopt the format while allowing existing FM operators to migrate voluntarily. Each assigned frequency will transmit one analogue channel, three digital channels, and one data channel.

Radio broadcasters should commence simulcast operations within two years of the conclusion of the auction process or acceptance of an option for migration, the ministry said

The sunset date for the analog broadcasting should be decided after evaluating the progress of digital radio broadcasting at a later date, it added.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had sought recommendations from TRAI under Section 11 of the TRAI Act, 1997. Further, a consultation paper was released in September 2024, and an open house discussion was conducted in January 2025 prior to finalising its recommendations.

Authorisations will be valid for 15 years, with fees based on adjusted gross revenue, and streaming revenue will be factored into gross revenue calculations, it added.

The TRAI statement said that digital radio broadcasting provides many advantages, including the capability of broadcasting three digital and one data channel, along with one analog channel on a single spot frequency in simulcast mode.

In such a condition, the digital radio channel will provide a superior quality of audio, whereas in the analogue mode, broadcasting of only one channel is possible on the carrier frequency, it added.

In a competitive environment, digital radio broadcasting can provide new opportunities to radio broadcasters as well as multiple listening options and value-added services to the listeners, the release noted.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good initiative but why only 13 cities? Tier 2 cities also deserve quality radio services. Many smaller cities have growing populations and should be included in the first phase itself.
A
Arjun K
Three digital channels plus one data channel on single frequency - that's impressive! This could revolutionize how we consume radio content. Looking forward to more regional language options in digital quality.
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Sarah B
The 15-year license period seems reasonable for broadcasters to recover their investments. However, I hope TRAI ensures that the migration process doesn't disrupt existing FM services that many of us rely on daily.
M
Meera T
Will this mean we need to buy new radio sets? Many middle-class families still use old radios. The government should consider subsidies or affordable digital radio options for common people.
V
Vikram M
The data channel feature is interesting! Could be used for emergency alerts, traffic updates, or even local news. Hope broadcasters utilize this properly rather than just for advertisements. 🇮🇳

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