The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released a Consultation Paper (CP) on “Issues Related to Low Power Small Range FM Radio Broadcasting”.
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) had sought recommendations of the Authority on the need and timing for introduction of new service provider for drive-in theatres application.
The Authority said that low-power short-range FM Radio broadcasting is an effective method of sound broadcasting for services that are intended for limited locations and reception areas like drive-in theatres, hospital radio services, amusement parks, business premises, closed communities such as residential complexes, small habitations, local events such as air shows and sports events.
Written comments on the consultation paper are invited from the stakeholders by May 15, 2023.
Counter comments, if any, can be submitted by May 29, 2023
The issues for consultation include:
1) Should the use of low power small range FM Radio broadcasting by various entities be licensed or unlicensed?
2) In case the use of low-power small-range FM Radio is licensed, whether there is a need for the introduction of a new category of service provider for using low-power small-range FM Radio broadcasting?
3) Should the low-power Radio equipment continue to be subjected to type approval by WPC?
- If yes, do the current technical specifications/approval process require any amendment/ modification/ simplification?
- If not, please suggest how to ensure quality standards for the equipment and users of low-power FM services.
4) In case, stakeholders consider that a license is necessary for low power small range FM broadcasting, what should be the:
- Eligibility criteria
- Period of License
- Entry Fee
- License Fee
- Area of operation
- Policy/ Methodology for allocation of Spectrum
- Prescribed Technical parameters, if any
- Any additional terms and conditions governing such license.
5) Whether particular frequencies in the existing FM band can be dedicated to low-power FM Radio broadcasting?
6) What should be the licensed area of frequency assignment- location-wise (Stadium, Auditorium, Malls, Residential complex etc.) or citywise?
7) What should be the maximum power of a low-power small-range FM transmitter?
8) Stakeholders may also provide their comments on any other issue relevant to the present consultation.