Wed Jan 15 16:34:39 UTC 2025: ## TRAI Recommends Framework for Ground-Based Broadcasters in India

**NEW DELHI, January 15, 2025** – The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released recommendations for a regulatory framework governing ground-based broadcasters (GBBs). This framework aims to utilize technological advancements for television channel distribution, offering an alternative to the traditional satellite-based system.

Currently, Indian broadcasters are mandated to use satellites for distributing channels to Distribution Platform Operators (DPOs), as per the 2022 guidelines issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. However, the rise of terrestrial technologies like cable, fiber, wireless, and internet now allows for the direct transmission of channels to multiple DPO networks simultaneously.

TRAI’s recommendations, developed after consultations and an open house discussion, propose a structure similar to the existing regulations for satellite-based broadcasters, but adapted for ground-based systems. Key aspects include:

* **Technological flexibility:** GBBs can use any terrestrial communication medium, with no restrictions on technology or the number of systems used. They can also switch to satellite broadcasting with government permission. Similarly, satellite broadcasters can adopt terrestrial methods with permission.
* **National reach:** GBBs will operate on a national level.
* **FAST channel review:** The Ministry will review whether Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST) channels comply with existing guidelines and issue necessary policy updates in consultation with TRAI.
* **Ease of Doing Business:** TRAI reiterates its recommendations to simplify processes for the telecom and broadcasting sector.
* **Clear definitions:** The recommendations provide clear definitions for key terms like “Broadcaster,” “Programme,” and “Ground-based Broadcasting.”
* **Annual fee:** An annual permission fee of ₹7 lakh per channel is proposed for GBBs.

These recommendations respond to a May 2024 request from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and seek to modernize India’s broadcasting landscape, enabling more efficient and technologically advanced channel distribution.

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