Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has suggested that the foreign direct investment (FDI) policy in broadcasting be harmonised to ensure a level playing field for competing technologies in view of a convergence of broadcasting and communication technologies.
The regulator on Monday floated a consultation paper for reviewing the existing foreign investment limits in different segments of the broadcasting sector. ?At present, the policy regarding foreign investment (FI) is not uniform across different segments of the broadcasting sector. In view of the divergence in FI limits for different segments, the need to undertake a review of the FI policy for the broadcasting sector has been highlighted,? Trai said in a statement.
The information and broadcasting ministry had sought Trai recommendations on foreign investment limits for various segments of broadcasting such as news and non-news broadcasters, teleport, DTH, satellite radio, headend-in-the-sky (HITS), cable operators and FM radio.
Earlier, while sending its comprehensive recommendations separately for HITS, mobile TV and FM radio, Trai had also recommended that the FI caps should be fixed at 74% for HITS and mobile TV, and 26% for news FM radio service and 49% for non-news FM radio service. Trai has invited comments from all stakeholders for this purpose by March 28.