SDG 9: Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure | SDG 16: Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions
Institutions: Ministry of Information & Broadcasting | Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued recommendations (3 October 2025) for a Digital Radio Broadcast Policy for private broadcasters, covering four ‘A+’ cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai) and nine ‘A’ cities (Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Surat, Pune, Jaipur, Lucknow, Kanpur, Nagpur). This follows a consultation launched in September 2024, which received 43 comments and 13 counter-comments, and an open house discussion in January 2025.
Key proposals include: introducing digital radio in simulcast mode (one analog, three digital, one data channel on a single frequency), selecting a single technology standard for VHF Band II, and auctioning spectrum with reserve prices ranging from ₹20.52 crore (Kanpur) to ₹194.08 crore (Mumbai). Migration for existing FM operators is voluntary, with a six-month window post-auction and multiple payment options.
Other recommendations: new authorisation for Radio Broadcasting Infrastructure Providers; inclusion of streaming revenue in Gross Revenue (GR); authorisation fees set at 4% of Adjusted GR (2% in hilly/border/E-category cities for initial 3 years); and limits on spectrum concentration (no entity owning >40% of frequencies per city). A high-level steering committee under MIB and MeitY will monitor rollout and device ecosystem development.
For India’s radio industry, digital transition could reshape content diversity and advertising models, but depends on spectrum pricing, receiver availability, and ecosystem readiness. Coordination between MIB, TRAI, Prasar Bharati, and device manufacturers will be essential to ensure consumer adoption.
What is a Policy Recommendation? → A policy recommendation is an advisory proposal prepared by a regulator, committee, or expert body. It reflects consultations and analysis but is not yet legally binding. In India, the concerned ministry reviews these recommendations and may accept, modify, or reject them. Only after government notification do recommendations become formal policy or regulation.
What is Digital Radio Simulcast? → A system where broadcasters transmit both analog FM and digital channels on the same frequency, enabling higher audio quality, multiple programmes, and additional data services.
Follow the full update here: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2174369
https://www.trai.gov.in/sites/default/files/2025-10/PR_No.102of2025.pdf