Archive · 4 Oct 2025
TRAI Outlines Digital Radio Plans, Auctioning Spectrum
TRAI is making plans for digital radio in India, and wants to set the rules for it.
They suggest letting radio stations broadcast both the old and new signals together at first (simulcast).
The government will auction off the airwaves in cities like Mumbai and Delhi.
Existing stations can also switch to digital.
New broadcasters must start with digital services.
TRAI also set the starting prices for auctions and annual fees.
The main goals are clearer sound, more options for listeners, and chances to earn more money.
TRAI released recommendations for digital radio broadcast policy.
Proposed spectrum auctions in 13 major cities.
Simulcast operations combining analog and digital services suggested.
Existing FM operators can opt for simulcast; new entrants must use digital.
TRAI recommended annual fees based on Adjusted Gross Revenue.
- Who
- TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India)
- What
- Released digital radio policy recommendations including auctions and simulcast.
- When
- Released on Friday
- Where
- Applies to 13 major Indian cities
- Why
- To establish terms and conditions for launching digital radio services.
Broadcasters
TRAI
Revenue and Fees
Broadcasters
Concerned about additional fees like 4% of Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) in cities and 2% in border/hilly regions.
TRAI
Intends to provide revenue model and set fees to ensure broadcasters remain compliant with regulations.
- Recommendation
- Digital radio broadcast policy for private broadcasters
- Simulcast
- Combining analog and digital services
- Auction
- Spectrum auction in 13 cities
- Cities
- Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and 9 'A' category cities
- Mumbai Reserve Price
- ₹194.08 crore
- Delhi Reserve Price
- ₹177.63 crore
- AGR Fee
- 4% (cities/towns), 2% (border/hilly)
Sources
TRAI recommends auction for allocating frequency bands for digital radio by private broadcasters
TRAI recommends adoption for single standard for digital radio, reserve prices for 13 cities
TRAI recommends adoption for single standard for digital radio, reserve prices for 13 cities