Key Changes in DTH Service Provisions:
- Authorization Fee Reduction
- 8% of AGR to be reduced to 3%
- Planned elimination by FY 2026-27
- Less Bank Guarantee
- ₹5 crore or 20% of the authorisation fee for two quarters, whichever is higher
- Interoperability of Set-Top Boxes (STBs)
- Allowing choice and convenience for consumers
- Infrastructure Sharing to the extent possible between broadcasters and telecom operators
- Removal of ₹100 crore net worth requirement for IPTV service providers
Reforms in Broadcasting & Radio Sector
- New Unified Authorisation Framework under the Telecommunications Act, 2023 replacing traditional licensing
- No entry fees or processing fees for migration to the new system
- Two New Services Proposed
- Ground Based Broadcasting of a TV Channel
- Low-Power Small Range Radio Service
- Unification of Authorization Fees for the Radio
- 4% of AGR across all cities
- 2% for specified regions, 1st three years, thereafter it will revert to 4%
Radio Broadcasting Reforms
- Technology Agnostic in promoting the digital agenda
- No Auction for Terrestrial Radio Authorisation
- Service authorisation applied for by operators prior to spectrum auction
Impact
- More flexibility for broadcasters for infrastructure sharing
- Less cost for DTH & broadcasting operators
- More consumer choice with interoperable STBs
- Digital radio adoption encouraged
