TRAI Releases Recommendations
on “Issues related to Low Power Small Range FM Radio Broadcasting”
Telecom
Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released its Recommendations on “Issues
related to Low Power Small Range FM Radio Broadcasting” on 21 September, 2023.
Ministry
of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) vide its reference dated 07.03.2022 has sought
recommendations of the Authority, under section 1 1(1)(a)(i)
of the TRAI Act, 1997 on the need and timing for introduction of new service provider
for services such as drive-in theatres.
To
transmit movie audio to the audience within a drive-in theater
setting, low power small range FM broadcasting is employed as one of the most efficient
techniques. In addition to drive-in theaters, several
other use cases of low power small range FM radio broadcasting which may cater to
specific locations and reception areas can be identified. Examples include hospital
radio services, amusement parks, business premises, closed communities such as residential
complexes, small habitations, commentary for local events such as air shows and
sports events.
In
this regard, a consultation paper was issued on 17th April 2023 seeking stakeholders’
comments on issues related to Low Power Small Range FM Radio Broadcasting. The last
date of submission of comments was 22nd May 2023 and counter-comments was 5th June
2023. TRAI received 6 comments and 1 counter-comment from stakeholders. All comments
received have been posted on the TRAI’s website. Subsequently, an Open House Discussion
was held through video conferencing mode on 19th July 2023.
After
considering all comments/counter-comments received from stakeholders during the
consultation process and further analysis of the issues, the Authority has finalized
its recommendations. The salient features of the recommendations are given below:
A. Introduction
of a new category of service provider called ‘Low Power Small Range FM Radio Broadcasting’
for provision of low power small range FM Radio.
B. License/registration/
authorization to be granted through a simple registration process via an online
application portal.
C. Approval
by Telecom Engineering Centre (TEC) for transmitting equipment for low power small
range FM broadcasting.
D.
Eligible entities to hold license/ registration/ authorization for ‘Low Power Small
Range FM Broadcasting’:
a. Individuals
who are citizens of India and above eighteen years of age. Following are not eligible
to hold license/ registration/ authorization for ‘Low Power Small Range FM Broadcasting’:
i. A person with an unsound
mind and stands so declared by a competent court;
ii. A
person who is an un-discharged insolvent
iii. A
person convicted by a court of any offense, whether involving moral turpitude or
otherwise.
b. A
company registered under the Companies Act 2013 including LLP and partnership firms.
Following are not eligible to hold license/ registration/ authorization for ‘Low
Power Small Range FM Broadcasting’:
i. Political Parties
and their affiliate organizations; [including students, women’s, trade unions and
such other wings affiliated to these parties]
ii. A
company controlled by or associated with a political body;
iii. A
company controlled by or associated with a religious body;
iv. A
company that has been convicted by a court of any offense, whether involving moral
turpitude or otherwise.
E. Permission
period for ‘Low Power Small Range FM Radio Broadcasting’ service should be:
i. Up to thirty days
ii. Up
to five years.
F. No
application/entry fee should be levied.
G. License/Permission/Authorization
Fee of Rs. 1000/- for a permission of up to thirty days and Rs. 10,000/- per annum
for a permission of five years.
H. WPC
should conduct a thorough evaluation and reserve appropriate frequency spots for
the specific needs of low-power, small-range FM broadcasting.
I. Frequency
for low power small range FM broadcasting should be assigned administratively by
WPC through online portal within two days of submitting the application.
J. License/Registration/
Authorization holders for low power small range FM broadcasting should be allowed
to deploy any type of transmission technologies (analog/digital/any
other).
K. The
maximum permissible transmission range of ‘Low Power Small Range Radio Broadcasting’
should be 500 meters.
L. The
licensed area of frequency assignment in case of low power small range FM be defined
as location-specific based on the precise geographical coordinates such as longitude
and latitude of the of the intended service location (be it a building, stadium,
convention center, expo area etc.).
M. Maximum
permissible transmission power should be 1 watt for low power small range FM broadcasting.
The full text of the Recommendations is available on TRAI’s website www.trai.gov.in.
For
any clarification! Information, Shri Anil Kumar Bhardwaj, Director General TRAI
CSR and Advisor (B&CS) may be contacted at Tel. No. +91-11- 23237922.