TRAI Releases Recommendations for Digital Radio Broadcasting

On 3rd October 2025, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) released its recommendations for a Digital Radio Broadcast Policy for private radio broadcasters, including guidelines for service commencement, authorisation, and infrastructure sharing.

Key Points

Digital Radio Commencement: TRAI recommended that new private broadcasters should commence digital radio services in Simulcast mode, simultaneously broadcasting in analogue and digital formats.
Migration for Existing Broadcasters: Current analogue FM radio broadcasters should be allowed to migrate to Simulcast mode on a voluntary basis, enabling a gradual transition to digital broadcasting.
Authorisation Period: The authority suggested a 15-year authorisation period for digital radio broadcasting services to ensure long-term stability for private broadcasters.
Reserve Price Recommendations: TRAI proposed reserve prices for launching digital radio broadcasting in four A+ category cities — Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai — and nine A category cities — Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Surat, Pune, Jaipur, Lucknow, Kanpur, and Nagpur.
Infrastructure Sharing: Prasar Bharati is advised to share its land, tower, and common transmission infrastructure with private broadcasters at concessional rental rates, while ensuring full recovery of operational expenses.
Frequency Planning: The government should prepare frequency planning for each of the four A+ and nine A category cities in a single technology scenario and make it publicly available for transparency and planning purposes.