TRAI Seeks Views on Issues Relating to Uplinking and Downlinking of TV Channels

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released a consultation paper on issues relating to uplinking and downlinking of TV channels. For regulating the business of satellite TV channel broadcasting in India, the central government has laid down policy guidelines for downlinking of TV 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 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 teleporters. TRAI has, accordingly, initiated a consultation process to seek the views of the stakeholders on the issues involved.