NEW DELHI: With an eye on expanding the scope of radio broadcast, telecom regulatory Authority of India (Trai) today invited suggestions on issues relating to satellite radio service to chalk out a policy framework for the new technology.

Satellite radio, according to Trai can be used as a tool to arm the population with a disaster warning system, particularly useful in a vast country like India part of which is reeling under a tidal disaster post the tsunami aftershocks.

In line with its consultative approach, the regulator's consultation paper covers issues like rationale for satellite radio, regulation and monitoring, licensing and technical considerations.

The Amit Mitra Committee, set up by the government last year for suggestions on a comprehensive radio broadcast policy, in its report on private sector FM broadcasting had suggested that the government should lay down a satellite radio policy.

Trai in its recommendations on the subject, sent on 11 August, 2004 had indicated that this issue would be separately examined.

The consultation paper has been placed on the regulator's website (www.trai.gov.in) and comments of the stakeholders have been invited by 31 January, 2005. A gist of these comments will be placed on Trai's website.