TRAI recommends Digital Radio Broadcast Policy for private broadcasters, starting with 13 cities in simulcast mode
On 3 October 2025, TRAI released recommendations on a Digital Radio Broadcast Policy for private radio broadcasters, proposing digital services in simulcast mode in 13 cities, starting with Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai.
Summary
On 3 October 2025, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) released its recommendations on 'Formulating a Digital Radio Broadcast Policy for private Radio broadcasters'. They cover terms and reserve prices for 13 cities: four 'A+' cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai) and nine 'A' cities (Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Surat, Pune, Jaipur, Lucknow, Kanpur, Nagpur). The Information and Broadcasting Ministry had asked for them in April 2024 under Section 11(1)(a)(i) of the TRAI Act, 1997. New broadcasters should start in simulcast mode — one analog, three digital and one data channel on one frequency — and existing FM broadcasters may migrate voluntarily. India should adopt a single digital radio technology standard for VHF Band II. Frequencies should be auctioned under Section 4(4) of the Telecommunications Act, 2023. Authorisations should run 15 years, with a fee of 4% of Adjusted Gross Revenue in most city categories. No entity should hold more than 40% of a city's frequencies. Prasar Bharati should share its towers at concessional rates.
Key facts
- Cities
- 13 — 4 'A+' (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai) + 9 'A'
- Mode
- Simulcast: 1 analog + 3 digital + 1 data channel
- Assignment
- Auction under Sec. 4(4), Telecommunications Act 2023
- Terms
- 15-year authorisation; 4% of AGR; max 40% of a city's frequencies
- Reference
- MIB, 23 Apr 2024, Sec. 11(1)(a)(i) TRAI Act 1997
Practice MCQs 3 questions
What period of authorisation has TRAI recommended for digital radio broadcasting by private broadcasters (October 2025)?
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Correct answer: B — 15 years
PIB (TRAI): the period of authorisation for digital radio broadcasting should be 15 years.
Consider the following statements about TRAI's October 2025 recommendations on digital radio: 1. New broadcasters should start digital radio in simulcast mode, allowing one analog, three digital and one data channel on the assigned frequency. 2. Frequencies for new channels should be assigned by auction under Section 4(4) of the Telecommunications Act, 2023. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. PIB (TRAI): digital radio should commence in simulcast mode (one analog, three digital and one data channel on the assigned spot frequency), and frequencies for new channels should be assigned by auction in accordance with Section 4(4) of the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
TRAI has recommended an authorisation fee of what share of Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) for digital radio in 'A+' and 'A' category cities?
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Correct answer: A — 4%
PIB (TRAI): authorisation fee is 4% of AGR for cities of category 'A+', 'A', 'B', 'C' and 'D'; for 'Others' (border/hilly areas of NE, J&K, Ladakh and island territories) and 'E' category, 2% of AGR for the first 3 years.