New Delhi: The Chairman at Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) R.S. Sharma has hinted that the recommendations on ease of doing business in the broadcasting sector will be issued by the end of January 2018.
Earlier, The regulator had issued a consultation paper on the subject in July 2017 to remove the entry barriers in the sector by “laying down well-defined and transparent procedures, facilitate innovation and technology adoption in the sector and introduce investor friendly policies”.
Most of the television broadcasters had voiced for single-window clearance during the consultation process as the present system requires multiple clearances at different levels within the information and broadcasting (I&B) ministry as well as between several ministries within the government while seeking uplinking and downlinking licences. A single-window clearance process will reduce the costs and time required to procure licences.
Broadcasters had also voted for automation and digitization of licensing processes and granting of permissions within a stipulated period of time.
“We are primarily looking at the process and procedural issues in the broadcast sector. All government procedures need to have a rationale and a clearly defined objective. The authority has reviewed the issues internally and will release the recommendations this month,” said Sharma.
“The recommendations will help create a business-friendly environment and will be very positive and constructive for all stakeholders in the broadcast sector,” Sharma added.
Meanwhile, TRAI is also working on releasing the recommendations, addressing issues pertaining to digital radio broadcasting, in an effort to enable private FM broadcasters across the country to move towards it.
“We have taken note of issues regarding digital radio broadcasting and will soon be coming out with recommendations on the same,” said Sharma.
