TRAI Conducted an OHD on Issues Relating to Uplinking and Downlinking of Television Channels

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) convened an open house discussion (OHD) on consultation paper on issues relating to uplinking and downlinking of television channels in India. A number of stakeholders including associations, companies/organization/firms, service providers, individuals attended the OHD.

For regulating the business of satellite TV channel broadcasting in India, the central government has laid down policy guidelines for uplinking of television channels from India, and policy guidelines for downlinking of television channels in India. MIB vide its letter dated August 21, 2017, stated that the present uplinking and downlinking guidelines, which came into effect from December 5, 2011 are now more than 5 years old. Further, MIB also stated that keeping in view the change in technology, market scenarios, and the lesson learnt in the last few years of their operations, there is a need to review/amend some of the provisions of these guidelines to ensure healthy growth of the broadcasting sector. MIB has sought recommendations of the authority on various issues relating to permission for uplinking and downlinking of satellite TV channels and setting up of teleports.

Accordingly, TRAI initiated a consultation paper on issues relating to uplinking and downlinking of television channels in India dated December 19, 2017 seeking comments of stakeholders on the issues involved. TRAI has, accordingly, initiated this consultation process to seek the views of the stakeholders on the issues involved. The objective of this consultation process is to review the provisions of the existing uplinking guidelines and downlinking guidelines so as to ensure orderly growth of the broadcasting sector and in-turn provide impetus to socio-cultural and economic development. A total of 38 stakeholders including associations, companies/organization/firms, service providers, and individuals had submitted their comments on the issues raised in the consultation paper.