Indian radio networks have called on the government to immediately accept the media regulator’s latest recommendations about the upcoming Phase III of private FM licensing.

On Thursday, The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) called for a review of the reserve price for the auction of 839 new FM frequencies, saying the current system “might jeopardise the auction”.

The radio industry had complained several times that the proposed fees were too high.

The Times of India quotes one unnamed CEO who was relieved at TRAI’s report: “After a two and a half year long painful wait, the cash-strapped and loss-making FM radio sector seems to be in line for some supportive policies,” they said.

In a written statement to Asia Radio Today, Apurva Purohit, CEO of Radio City said that she “welcomed the recommendations by TRAI & is pleased with the license extension to 15 years.”  She said she hoped on that basis, the MIB (Ministry of Information and Broadcasting) will now expedite the process for the auctions.

Vineet Singh Hukmani, MD & CEO, Radio One told Best Media Info: “Now it is up to MIB to move on the issue and not delay which results in loss to the exchequer”.

TRAI also recommended that 15 year licences are awarded during during Phase III, compared to the current 10 year agreements and proposed reducing the gap between stations on the FM band from 800 to 400 Khz.

Red FM’s Chief Operating Officer Nisha Narayanan told Best Media Info: “We are happy that the TRAI has recommended a 15-year licence period and considered the migration fees based on the availability of channels in a particular city. This will help in rationalizing bidding in case of a scarcity situation.”