TRAI Corrigendum Refines Digital Radio Broadcast Policy Roadmap for Private Broadcasters
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure | SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Institutions: Ministry of Communications
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued a corrigendum to its draft policy on digital radio broadcasting for private broadcasters, signalling final revisions ahead of the official rollout.
The recommendations — originally submitted on 3 October 2025 — propose digital broadcasting in 13 major cities, use of auction-allocated VHF Band II frequencies, a simulcast mode (1 analogue + 3 digital + 1 data channel), and adoption of a single national technology standard to ensure compatibility and cost efficiency.
These developments build on the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting’s reference from April 2024, which requested a policy framework to transition FM broadcasters into digital platforms and expand private audio-service participation.
The policy aims to enhance consumer choice, audio quality, and data-rich broadcast services, while enabling commercial innovation, shared infrastructure usage, and broader inclusion of regional, language-based and underserved markets.
By modernising broadcast architecture and setting clear spectrum and licensing pathways, the policy supports India’s transition to a digital media ecosystem, improves spectrum utilisation, and opens opportunity for private investment in content-and-delivery innovation.
What is India’s Draft Digital Radio Broadcast Policy for Private Broadcasters? → India’s digital radio policy aims to transition FM broadcasting into digital, enabling more channels, better audio quality, and text/data services, especially in major urban markets. It sets the framework for licensing, migration, spectrum use, and technology standards for private broadcasters.
Key Features & Salient Policy Points
Initial rollout in 13 major cities
Digital radio will first launch in 4 A+ metros and 9 A-category cities — where FM is saturated but content demand is high.Spectrum to be allocated via auction
Frequencies under VHF Band-II will be auctioned, aligning with the Telecommunications Act, 2023.Simulcast mode allowed (analogue + digital together)
One frequency may carry: 1 analogue FM channel, 3 digital audio channels, 1 data channel
This enables a smooth migration while keeping FM receivers usable.Single technology standard nationwide
A unified standard will avoid ecosystem fragmentation and reduce device costs.15-year authorisation period
Longer tenure ensures investment certainty for private broadcasters.Revenue-based fee structure
Migration rules for existing FM players
Broadcasters shifting from FM must pay the difference between digital auction price and the earlier one-time entry fee. Non-operationalisation in 24 months → frequency withdrawal + 5-year bar.Shared infrastructure to cut costs
Policy pushes for: Prasar Bharati tower/land sharing and New Infrastructure Provider category for radio networks
Why This Matters
More stations + more local content
Better audio and emergency information delivery
New formats: niche music, education, traffic, language services
Opens digital advertising and data broadcast markets
India’s shift mirrors global moves to free up FM spectrum, enhance listener choice, and digitise cultural media ecosystems.
What are auction-allocated VHF Band II frequencies? → These are radio spectrum slots in the Very High Frequency (VHF) Band II (usually 87.5–108 MHz — the FM band) that will be sold through auctions to private broadcasters, rather than given administratively, so that access is fair, transparent, and value-reflective.
What is simulcast mode? → A migration-friendly broadcasting method where one frequency carries: 1 analogue FM channel, 3 digital audio channels, 1 digital data service. This allows listeners using existing FM radios to continue receiving content while digital services expand, ensuring a smooth and inclusive transition
Follow the full news here: https://www.trai.gov.in/notifications/press-release/corrigendum-recommendations-formulating-digital-radio-broadcast-policy