For regulating the business of satellite TV channel broadcasting in India, the Central Government has laid down policy guidelines for uplinking of television channels from India, and policy guidelines for downlinking of television channels in India.

Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) vide its letter dated 21st August, 2017, stated that the present uplinking and downlinking guidelines which came into effect from 5th December 2011 are now more than 5 years old. Further, MIB also stated that keeping in view the change in technology, market scenarios, and the lesson learnt in the last few years of their operations, there is a need to review/amend some of the provisions of these guidelines to ensure healthy growth of the broadcasting sector. MIB has sought recommendations of the Authority on various issues relating to permission for uplinking and downlinking of satellite TV channels, and setting up of teleports. TRAI is, accordingly, initiating this consultation process to seek the views of the stakeholders on the issues involved. The full text of the Consultation Paper is available here.

Written comments on the consultation paper are invited from the stakeholders by 18th January 2018.