India's FM Radio Revolution: TRAI Pushes for Digital Transformation
TRAI has unveiled its proposal for a digital radio broadcast policy, allowing analogue FM to add digital layers and auctioning new frequencies in 13 cities. The initiative encourages a single tech standard in VHF Band II and calls for analog-to-digital migration, fostering the digital shift in India's FM landscape.
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- India
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has set the stage for a significant transformation of the country's FM radio landscape. On Friday, the authority released recommendations that would allow analogue FM radio channels to incorporate a digital layer within the same frequency. The initiative aims to introduce a digital-first broadcast policy across India.
As part of this initiative, TRAI has suggested auctioning new frequencies in 13 major cities, marking a pioneering step towards the digital evolution of FM radio. This move seeks to introduce a unified technology standard nationwide and is regarded as a vital step in modernizing India's audio broadcast framework. The auctions are set to include both 'A Plus' and 'A category' cities, with reserved prices being outlined for each location.
Furthermore, in a bid to streamline the transition, broadcasters are encouraged to adopt a simulcast mode, facilitating both analog and digital broadcasting. TRAI suggests the sunset of analog services be decided post-evaluation of digital progress. The provision of shared infrastructure at concessional rates by Prasar Bharati has also been proposed, aiming to ease the digital migration for private broadcasters.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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