The draft radio policy that permits a satellite radio service provider to hold the permission of satellite radio channels also, received a boost.
NEW DELHI: The draft radio policy that permits a satellite radio service provider to hold the permission of satellite radio channels also, on Wednesday received a boost as the Ministry for Information and Broadcasting has accepted the final recommendations by Telecom Regulatory Authority of India on it, with some modifications.
Among its various recommendations submitted to the Ministry, TRAI has found acceptable the government's proposal in the draft policy on restrictions on news and advertisements in satellite radio service.
Satellite radio service refers to distribution of single or multi channel radio programmes by using a satellite system which provides encrypted digital radio signals direct to the subscribers' receiver sets.
The Ministry had earlier requested TRAI on March 11 to give its comments on the draft policy guidelines.
These guidelines make a distinction between provision of satellite radio service (i.e. carriage of radio channels) and provision of content (radio channels) to such satellite radio service providers.
Accordingly two different types of license/permission are envisaged in the draft satellite radio policy. One type of license is for providing the satellite radio service for carriage and broadcasting of channels, while the other license entitles permission holder to get registration for satellite radio channels, which he will in turn provide satellite radio service operator for broadcasting.
TRAI has recommended for auctioning the license if the number of eligible applicants exceeds the number of licenses being offered depending on the availability of spectrum and satellite.
TRAI has also agreed with the Ministry's proposal to permit terrestrial repeaters for satellite radio service so as to provide for high quality widespread coverage.
It has suggested that the license could be for a period of 10 years initially, with provision for further extension for 10 years. The licensee will have to pay an annual fee of four per cent of gross revenue.
The draft guidelines also provide for appropriate obligation on the licensee to roll out the service within one year of getting the license.
Some of the major issues covered in the draft policy guidelines are eligibility criteria, period of license, entry fee and annual license fee, bank guarantee etc.
Given the significance of the policy, TRAI had carried out public consultation on its tentative comments on the draft policy guidelines on May 19, 2008, by inviting comments from stakeholders.
The views of stakeholders were examined by TRAI and its final comments were sent to the Ministry with some modifications in a few clauses relating to eligibility, application procedure and grant of license and migration path for existing service provider to the licensing regime.
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