TRAI Lays Down Guidelines for Satellite Based Broadcasters

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has proposed aligning the regulatory framework for Ground-Based Broadcasters (GBBs) with the 2022 uplinking and downlinking guidelines for Satellite-Based Broadcasters (SBBs), where applicable, excluding rules specific to satellite use.

Currently, GBBs, which deliver content terrestrially to cable television networks without satellite dependency, lack a dedicated regulatory framework. In its recommendations on the "Regulatory Framework for Ground-Based Broadcasters," TRAI noted that advancements in technology now allow GBBs to deliver TV channels to Distribution Platform Operators (DPOs) via terrestrial communication technologies such as wireline, wireless, internet, or cloud-based methods.

The recommendations stem from a request by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) on May 22, 2024, under Section 11(1)(a) of the TRAI Act, 1997, seeking regulatory guidance on GBBs. TRAI has emphasized that GBBs should be permitted to use any terrestrial communication medium without restrictions for channel delivery to DPOs.

Moreover, TRAI proposed that the service area for GBBs be national, enabling them to operate across the entire country. These recommendations aim to create a streamlined regulatory environment that leverages emerging technologies for more efficient content distribution.