Trai Issues a Consultation Paper on Infrastructure Sharing in Broadcasting TV Distribution Sector- (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) (21 Sep 2016)

MANU/TRAI/0103/2016

Media and Communication

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released a consultation paper on infrastructure sharing in broadcasting TV distribution sector. The Television broadcasting sector has witnessed a tremendous growth in the last decade. There has been an exponential increase in the number of satellite TV channels. The Television broadcasting services are distributed to consumers' using different distribution technologies like Cable TV, Direct to Home (DTH), Head-End in the Sky (HITS), Terrestrial TV and Internet Protocol TV (IPTV). At present, there are 6 private DTH operators, more than 900 Multi System Operators (MSOs), few IPTV operators and 2 HITS operators distributing TV broadcasting services through Digital Addressable Systems in the country.

Each Distribution Platform Operator (DPO) re-transmits large number of satellite TV channels. Most of these TV channels are common across the DPOs. Therefore, there is a scope for better utilization of available infrastructure and reduction in the cost of operations, if the infrastructure is shared among the DPOs. This may result in optimum utilization of the infrastructure and reduction in Capital & Operating Expenditure of operators which may ultimately benefit the subscribers. To identify likely issues in sharing of infrastructure in broadcasting TV distribution sector, TRAI, on 23rd May, 2016, issued a pre-consultation paper on the subject.

After examination of the issues identified by the stakeholders, in response to the pre-consultation paper & issues identified by MIB, TRAI has floated this consultation paper on infrastructure sharing in broadcasting TV distribution sector. The objective of the consultation is, to issue recommendations to the Government of India to formulate a policy framework for enabling infrastructure sharing by DPOs so as to optimally utilize the infrastructure and to promote the healthy competition among service providers and, to identify the changes required in the Cable TV Act and the Rules made there under, in the license/ registration conditions of the Broadcasters/ DPOs in order to facilitate infrastructure sharing on voluntary basis.

Tags : INFRASTRUCTURE SHARING CONSULTATION PAPER ISSUANCE