MANU/TRAI/0097/2022

Authority : Telecom Regulatory Authority of India

Press Release No. : 86/2022

Date : 29.12.2022

TRAI releases Recommendations on "Renewal of Multi-System Operators (MSOs) Registration"

1. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has today issued its recommendations on "Renewal of Multi-System Operators (MSOs) Registration".

2. Digitalization of the Indian broadcasting sector began in year 2012 and was completed across the country by March 2017. Ministry of Information 85 Broadcasting (MIB) issued first of new registrations to Multi System Operators (MSOs) during the DAS implementation in June 2012, which became due for renewal/extension in June 2022. The Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994, however, do not mention provision about renewal of MSO registrations. In view of this, the Authority has received a reference from MIB seeking recommendations on the issues pertaining to MSO Renewal procedure.

3. In this regard, TRAI had issued consultation paper on 'Renewal of Multi-System Operators (MSOs) Registration' on 20th July 2022 for seeking comments of all the stakeholders. The last date of submission of comments was 10th August 2022 and counter-comments was 17th August 2022, which were extended up to 24th August 2022 and 31st August 2022 respectively, on request of some stakeholders. TRAI received comments on consultation paper from 10 stakeholders and no counter comment has been received. These comments are available on TRAI website. In this regard, an Open House Discussion was also held on 19th October 2022 through online mode.

4. After considering all comments/counter-comments received from stakeholders during consultation process and further analysis of the issues, the Authority has finalised its recommendations. The salient features of the recommendations are given below:

(i) The renewal of MSO registration should be done for a period of 10 years.

(ii) The Authority recommends that at the time of renewal, the processing fee should be kept as Rs. 1 Lakh.

(iii) The Authority recommends that:

a) Window for applying for renewal of registrations should open not earlier than 7 months from the date of expiry and not later than 2 months prior to the date of expiry.