Nationwide E-Auction Set to Transform FM Radio Landscape

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is gearing up to initiate e-auctions for FM radio frequencies across the nation. The ambitious move involves opening 730 channels in 234 cities, as announced by Information and Broadcasting Secretary Sanjay Jaju at the Broadcasting Engineering Society Expo.

The auctions follow the Union Cabinet's approval last August, under the Private FM Radio Phase III policy framework. With a reserve price set at Rs 784.87 crore, the e-auctioning process has attracted bids from over 20 leading companies nationwide, reflecting a robust interest in expanding India's private FM radio sector.

In a strategic amendment this April, the Ministry extended the bidding time per round, hoping to facilitate more strategic decisions among participants. This adjustment is aimed at encouraging more comprehensive bidding strategies in the allocation process, marking a significant step forward in the expansion of FM radio services in the country.

(With inputs from agencies.)