TRAI Releases Recommendations for Digital Radio Broadcast Policy for Private Broadcasters

New Delhi, October 3, 2025 – The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released its recommendations on “Formulating a Digital Radio Broadcast Policy for Private Radio Broadcasters,” outlining the framework, terms, conditions, and reserve prices for digital radio broadcasting services in four ‘A+’ cities – Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai – and nine ‘A’ category cities including Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Surat, Pune, Jaipur, Lucknow, Kanpur, and Nagpur.

The recommendations follow a reference from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) dated 23 April 2024, under Section 11 (1)(a)(i) of the TRAI Act, 1997, seeking guidance on a digital radio broadcast policy. TRAI issued a consultation paper on 30 September 2024, receiving 43 comments and 13 counter-comments. An Open House Discussion was also held on 8 January 2025.

Key highlights of the recommendations include:

• Simulcast Mode: New broadcasters should commence services in simulcast mode, while existing FM broadcasters may migrate voluntarily. Each spot frequency can broadcast one analog, three digital, and one data channel.

• Single Technology Standard: The government will select a suitable digital radio technology, either through stakeholder consultations, spectrum auction integration, or another appropriate method.

• Frequency Assignment & Auction: Frequencies will be assigned via auction. Existing broadcasters opting for migration will pay the difference between auction price and remaining non-refundable One Time Entry Fee (NOTEF). Simulcast operations must begin within two years of auction or migration acceptance.

• Authorization & Eligibility: Digital radio service authorization will be valid for 15 years. Eligibility criteria will align with TRAI’s broadcasting service framework. An entity cannot own more than 40% of spot frequencies in a city, ensuring at least three operators per city.

• Revenue & Fees: Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) will determine annual authorization fees: 4% for A+ and A-D cities, 2% for border, hilly, and other special areas for the initial three years.

• Infrastructure & Collaboration: Government will allow private broadcasters to share infrastructure voluntarily. Prasar Bharati will provide land, towers, and transmission infrastructure at concessional rental rates.

• Consumer Advisory: MIB will issue advisories for inclusion of digital radio receivers in mobile phones and car infotainment systems.

• Digital Advantages: Digital radio offers superior audio quality and multiple channels on a single spot frequency, compared to analog broadcasting.

Reserve prices for spectrum auctions in 13 major cities range from ₹20.52 crore in Kanpur to ₹194.08 crore in Mumbai. TRAI recommends multiple payment options for auction and migration fees, with instalments spread over 15 years to protect net present value (NPV).

These recommendations aim to facilitate the introduction of digital radio in India, expand listener options, enhance audio quality, and provide growth opportunities for private broadcasters.

The full recommendations are available on TRAI’s official website: www.trai.gov.in. For further queries, Dr. Deepali Sharma, Advisor (Broadcasting & Cable Services), TRAI, can be contacted at +91-11-20907774.