Digital Radio Broadcast Policy 2025 by TRAI

TRAI Releases Recommendations for Digital Radio Broadcast Policy 2025

Introduction

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued key recommendations for the Digital Radio Broadcast Policy 2025 aimed at transforming India’s radio landscape.
The move seeks to digitize private radio broadcasting, improve sound quality, ensure efficient use of spectrum, and provide multiple channels on a single frequency.
The recommendations were made at the request of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) in April 2024.

Initial Rollout

• TRAI has proposed launching digital radio in 13 major cities during the first phase
  A+ cities: Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai
  A cities: Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Surat, Pune, Jaipur, Lucknow, Kanpur, and Nagpur.
• Digital frequencies in these cities will be auctioned to private broadcasters to promote fair competition and transparency.

Reserve Price and Authorisation

• Reserve prices vary by city — Mumbai ₹194 crore, Delhi ₹177 crore, Chennai ₹147 crore, Kolkata ₹80 crore.
• Each city will have two frequencies for auction.
• The authorisation period for digital radio operations will be 15 years.
• Broadcasters will pay an annual fee based on Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR), with lower rates for hilly and border regions.

Simulcast Mode

• TRAI recommends starting digital radio in simulcast mode, where both analog FM and digital signals operate simultaneously.
• New broadcasters must start directly in simulcast mode.
• Existing FM operators may voluntarily migrate to digital mode.
  Each frequency can host one analog + three digital + one data channel, enhancing spectrum efficiency and program variety.

Infrastructure Sharing

TRAI has suggested that Prasar Bharati share its land, towers, and transmission facilities with private broadcasters at concessional rates, covering only operational costs.
It also proposes a new category — Radio Broadcasting Infrastructure Providers (RBIPs) — allowing private firms to lease transmission infrastructure.

Technology and Frequency Planning

• India should adopt a single digital radio technology standard in VHF Band II for uniformity.
• The government should prepare frequency plans for all 13 cities and publish them publicly.
• A sunset date for analog FM will be decided later based on the pace of digital adoption.

Expected Benefits

• Better sound quality and uninterrupted service for listeners.
• Broader program choice and data-based features.
• Efficient spectrum use and higher government revenue.
• Boost to employment, innovation, and private investment in media.

Conclusion

The TRAI Digital Radio Broadcast Policy 2025 represents a significant step in modernizing India’s broadcasting sector.
It blends innovation with inclusion, paving the way for clearer sound, richer content, and a truly digital future for Indian radio — a vital component of the Digital India mission.