Consumers set to benefit from infrastructure sharing between TV distributors - (23 May 2016)

Media and Communication

TRAI floated a Paper on infrastructure sharing in broadcasting TV distribution sector to more efficiently utilise common, duplicated resources between broadcasters.

Distribution Platform Operators on average transmits 350 satellite TV channels, along with their unique services, with many of the channels being common across operators.

TRAI is looking into technical and commercial issues faced in the sharing of space and ground infrastructure, which could result in significant reduction in capital and operating expenditure.

At present, the channel broadcaster and the teleport operator, which uplinks content to the satellite, are distinct activities. A further decoupling of network and service providers in the latter will be enable sharing of infrastructure.

Questions facing distributors and the Authority include the scope of infrastructure sharing, regulatory framework enabling the same, possible changes to licensing mechanisms and a repercussion in the industry.

There are approximately 700 Multi System Operators providing digital TV services, more than 60,000 Cable Operators, 7 Direct-to-Home operators and 2 Head-End in the Sky operators in India.

As of 31 March 2016, a total of 869 satellite TV channels are permitted for down-linking in the country.

Tags : TELEVISION BROADCAST INFRASTRUCTURE SHARING