TRAI Strives to Unify Laws for Ground-based and Satellite Broadcasters

By Media Infotainment Team | Thursday, 16 January 2025

With the exception of those regulations unique to satellite use, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has suggested that the regulatory framework for ground-based broadcasters (GBBs) be in line with the 2022 uplinking and downlinking guidelines for satellite-based broadcasters (SBBs), wherever appropriate.

At the moment, GBBs—which send material to cable television networks terrestrially without the use of satellite uplinking or downlinking—do not have a specific regulatory framework.

As per TRAI's proposals on the "Regulatory Framework for Ground-Based Broadcasters," technology developments have made it possible for GBBs to transmit TV channels to distribution platform operators (DPOs) via landline, wireless, internet, or cloud-based methods.

In accordance with Section 11(1)(a) of the TRAI Act, 1997, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) requested TRAI's suggestions on GBBs on May 22, 2024.

In order to provide channels to DPOs, TRAI recommended that GBBs be free to employ any terrestrial communication means. Furthermore, GBBs should have a nationwide service area.

Additionally, TRAI suggested that, with central government approval, GBBs might transition to or expand their activities with SBBs. With permission from the government, SBBs can also switch to or implement terrestrial communication technology.

In response to stakeholders' concerns regarding the lack of restrictions for FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television) channels, TRAI suggested that the MIB assess whether FAST channels are adhering to current guidelines and, if necessary, release new policy guidelines in consultation with TRAI.

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