TRAI Issues Recommendations on Low Power Small Range FM Radio Broadcasting

New Delhi, India – The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released its recommendations on “Issues related to Low Power Small Range FM Radio Broadcasting,” a move aimed at advancing broadcasting services for specific purposes such as drive-in theaters, hospital radio services, amusement parks, and more.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) sought recommendations from TRAI on the need and timing for introducing new service providers for services like drive-in theaters. To transmit movie audio effectively within a drive-in theater setting, low power small range FM broadcasting is employed.

A consultation paper was issued on April 17, 2023, seeking input from stakeholders on various aspects of Low Power Small Range FM Radio Broadcasting. TRAI received six comments and one counter-comment from stakeholders, and an Open House Discussion was conducted on July 19, 2023.

After careful consideration of the feedback and analysis, TRAI has finalized its recommendations, which include the following key points:

• Introduction of a new category of service provider called ‘Low Power Small Range FM Radio Broadcasting’ for the provision of low power small range FM Radio.
• License/registration/authorization to be granted through a simple online application process.
• Approval by Telecom Engineering Centre (TEC) for transmitting equipment for low power small range FM broadcasting.
• Eligible entities to hold license/registration/authorization for ‘Low Power Small Range FM Broadcasting,’ including individuals who are Indian citizens, companies registered under the Companies Act 2013, LLPs, and partnership firms.
• Permission period for ‘Low Power Small Range FM Radio Broadcasting’ service should be up to thirty days or up to five years.
• No application/entry fee should be levied.
• License/Permission/Authorization Fee of Rs. 1000/- for a permission of up to thirty days and Rs. 10,000/- per annum for a permission of five years.
• WPC (Wireless Planning and Coordination) should reserve appropriate frequency spots for the specific needs of low-power, small-range FM broadcasting.
• Frequency for low power small range FM broadcasting should be assigned administratively by WPC through an online portal within two days of submitting the application.
• License/Registration/Authorization holders for low power small range FM broadcasting should be allowed to deploy any type of transmission technologies (analog/digital/any other).
• The maximum permissible transmission range of ‘Low Power Small Range Radio Broadcasting’ should be 500 meters.

These recommendations are expected to enhance the broadcasting landscape for niche applications and services while ensuring transparency and ease of operation. The full text of the Recommendations is available on TRAI’s website www.trai.gov.in. For further information or clarification, stakeholders can contact Shri Anil Kumar Bhardwaj, Director General TRAI CSR and Advisor (B&CS) at Tel. No. +91-11- 23237922.