India’s telecom regulator signals 839 new FM frequencies in Phase III

The Telecom Regulatory Authority Of India (TRAI) has given stakeholders for Phase III of private FM licensing until December 17 to respond to a consultation paper on the migration that includes a proposal for 839 new FM frequencies.

Among the issues TRAI is seeking views on are the date, deadline and fees payable on migration from Phase II to Phase III, Asia Radio Today reports.

Phase III plays will see FM licences extend from 10 to 15 years and will likely allow limits on foreign direct investment (FDI) raised from 26 to 49 percent.

For the first time, broadcasters will be allowed to run news bulletins but they must be sourced from public broadcaster All India Radio and aired unaltered.

Phase III has been delayed several times and had been expected to be announced in October 2013.