MUMBAI: This is one industry which is kind of giving the thumbs up to the recently recommended changes to  broadcasting services  by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India's (TRAI)  under the Telecommunications Act, 2023. In fact, the radio industry has gone beyond that and has welcome the proposed changes through The Association of Radio Operators for India (AROI).

The proposals outline significant changes to the regulatory framework, replacing the existing licensing model with a structured authorisation system intended to streamline operations and foster digital transformation.

The key recommendations include:

* A voluntary migration path for existing licensees until 2030, becoming mandatory thereafter
* Technology-neutral approach to facilitate digital broadcasting transition
* Separation of service authorisation from frequency assignment
* Permission for private FM stations to broadcast news and current affairs for up to 10 minutes hourly
* Allowance for terrestrial radio services to stream content online simultaneously
* Removal of mandatory co-location requirements for FM radio stations
* Voluntary infrastructure sharing between broadcasting and telecom providers
* Implementation of a separate programme code and advertisement code for private radio
* 10-year licence renewal periods with a 4  per cent adjusted gross revenue fee structure
* Potential shift from city-wise to district-wise allocation of FM frequencies

The Telecommunications Act, 2023, which repeals the Indian Telegraph Act of 1885, mandates authorisation for entities providing telecommunication services, though implementation dates remain pending.

An AROI spokesperson acknowledged the recommendations as "a welcome step towards industry growth and regulatory clarity" whilst noting certain aspects may require "further discussion" to fully serve private broadcasters' interests