India embarks on digital TV consultation process

A consultation paper on digital television transmission (DTT) and mobile TV has been issued by the Indian communications regulator, paving the way for private players to enter the sector.

Public broadcaster Doordarshan (DD) is currently India’s sole terrestrial broadcaster, with a network of 1,412 analogue transmitters providing two national and over 20 regional free-to-air (FTA) TV channels.

Through the consultation, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is asking stakeholders how DTT should be introduced and whether private concerns should be allowed to participate in the process. Technical details concerning whether a DTT network should be MFN, SFN or hybrid, and the optimum size and number of multiplex are also under consultation, as is the frequency to be used for transmitting digital terrestrial services such as mobile TV. Designing a roadmap for analogue switch-off is also part of this process.

Stakeholders have until 22 July 2016 to respond to TRAI with counter comments by 5 August 2016.