Financial Daily from THE HINDU group of publications
Thursday, Dec 30, 2004
Financial Daily from THE HINDU group of publications Thursday, Dec 30, 2004 |
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Info-Tech
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Regulatory Bodies & Rulings TRAI issues consultation paper on satellite radio services Our Bureau
New Delhi , Dec. 29 THE Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued a consultation paper to come up with a policy framework for satellite radio services. Currently, though WorldSpace is in operation in the country, there is no policy or regulatory framework for this sector. Several issues such as having a level playing field between satellite radio service and private FM radio, regulation of broadcast content, licence fee and interoperability requirement in the case of a new satellite radio service provider need to be clarified. The Amit Mitra Committee in its report on private FM broadcasting had suggested that the Government lay down a separate satellite radio policy. World over there are four satellite digital radio systems in operation — WorldSpace, XM Radio, Sirius Radio and MBCo. WorldSpace provides about 40 radio channels to an estimated small fraction of 50,000 people in India. In the absence of any regulatory framework for satellite radio service providers, WorldSpace obtained the FIPB approval for setting up a wholly owned subsidiary for carrying out software programming activities in India, to import digital satellite receivers and accessories and to carry out revenue collection services in India on behalf of its parent/associate companies. On licensing, the TRAI has sought suggestions on whether a framework for satellite radio service providers should be laid down now or later. What should be the term of licence, if required, for satellite radio service and whether it should be licence fee-based or work on the basis of revenue share, it said. Regarding ownership, it has asked whether any restriction on foreign ownership should be placed or not, considering the heavy capital investment involved in setting up the service. The regulator has asked whether uplinking from India should be permitted and "Whether we should have a common uplink policy or a separate policy for uplink of satellite radio channels and TV channels?" On content regulation, the TRAI has asked whether these providers would have to adhere to the Prasar Bharati's programme and advertising code. Also, currently several news channels such as NDTV, Fox News, BBC and some others are available. "Whether the ban on broadcast of news and current affairs programmes should be applicable in the case of satellite radio also? If so, how should this ban be enforced given the nature of satellite radio," it has asked. The TRAI said satellite radio could also be useful as a disaster warning system, especially for India. "Its countrywide footprint enables the satellite radio system to provide instantaneous reach to all corners of the country including remote locations, especially the hilly areas. These remote areas may be impossible to cover through terrestrial means,'' the regulator said. WorldSpace is already in touch with the Indian Government regarding a project for fishermen that would bring them reliable and timely advance weather warnings.
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