New Delhi: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on 11th April, 2018, convened an Open House Discussion (OHD) on Consultation Paper on “Issues relating to Uplinking and Downlinking of Television Channels” in India. The OHD was attended by a number of stakeholders including associations, companies, organization, firms, service providers and individuals.
The Central Government has laid down policy guidelines for uplinking of television channels from India, and policy guidelines for downlinking of television channels in India in view to regulate the business of satellite TV channel broadcasting in India.
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting vide a letter dated 21st August 2017, stated that the uplinking and downlinking guidelines, that came into effect from 5th December 2011 are now more than 5 years old. Considering the change in technology, market scenarios and the lesson learnt in the last few years of their operations, there is a need to review/amend some of the provisions of these guidelines to ensure healthy growth of the broadcasting sector, the MIB stated in its letter.
Apparently, MIB has sought recommendations of the Authority on various issues relating to permission for uplinking and downlinking of satellite TV channels and setting up of teleports.
Subsequently, on 19th December 2017,TRAI initiated a Consultation Paper on “Issues relating to Uplinking and Downlinking of Television Channels” in India, seeking comments of stakeholders on the issues involved.
The objective of this consultation process is to review the provisions of the existing uplinking guidelines and downlinking guidelines so as to ensure orderly growth of the broadcasting sector and in-turn provide impetus to socio-cultural and economic development.
Total number of 38 stakeholders including associations, companies, organization, firms, service providers, individuals had submitted their valuable comments on the issues raised in the Consultation Paper. During the OHD, the stakeholders have provided their comments on the issues discussed in the consultation paper.
