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Telecom Regularity Authority of India (TRAI) has released the telecom subscription data for September month. As per the data, the wireline subscribers increased from 36.23 million at the end of August 2024 to 36.93 million at the end of September 2024  with a monthly rate of growth 1.93% while the total wireless subscribers decreased from 1,163.83 million at the end of August 2024, to 1,153.72 million at the end of September 2024, thereby registering a monthly decline rate of 0.87%.

TRAI data reveals that Reliance Jio with a market share of around 40 per cent, lost 7.9 million wireless customer, followed by Vodafone Idea and Bharti Airtel with 1.5 million and 1.4 million customers, respectively. Interestingly, BSNL is the only telecom company which has added wireless customers in September. BSNL has added 8,49,493 customers. When it comes to wireline subscribers, Reliance Jio has added 6,34,197 customers, followed by Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea with 98,637 and 25,017 customers, respectively. However, state-run BSNL could not add up to its customer bases and lost out on 52,445 customers.

Additionally, the number of M2M cellular mobile connections increased from 54.07 million at the end of August 2024, to 54.64 million at the end of September 2024. According to the TRAI data, Bharti Airtel has the highest number of M2M cellular mobile connections 28.44 million with a market share of 52.06%, followed by Vodafone Idea, Reliance Jio and BSNL with market share of 27.12%, 15.29% and 5.54%, respectively.

When it comes to active wireless subscribers, out of the total 1,153.72 million wireless subscribers, 1059.97 million wireless subscribers were active on the date of peak VLR in the month of September. The proportion of active wireless subscribers was approximately 91.87% of the total wireless subscriber base. Bharti Airtel Limited has the maximum proportion 99.27% of
its active wireless subscribers (VLR) as against its total wireless subscribers (HLR) on the date of peak VLR in the month of September and MTNL has the minimum proportion of VLR 27.08% of its HLR during the same period.

Similarly, the number of total telephone subscribers in India decreased from 1,200.07 million at the end of August 2024 to 1,190.66 million at the end of September 2024, thereby showing a monthly decline rate of 0.78%. Urban telephone subscription decreased from 666.58 million to 662.15 million and the rural subscription also decreased from 533.49 million to 528.51 million during the same period. 

Moreover, the three private telecom companies increased their mobile rates by 11-25% in early July, resulting in a significant decline in their subscriber base. 

TRAI reports 0.87% drop in wireless subscribers in September; BSNL gains ground

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has ramped up efforts to combat the ongoing issue of spam calls and SMS, introducing stringent measures to tackle the problem. On August 13, 2024, TRAI issued new directions mandating severe penalties for any entity found violating regulations related to promotional voice calls. Penalties include disconnection of telecom resources, blacklisting for up to two years, and a ban on the allocation of new resources during the blacklisting period.

These measures have led to significant results. Complaints against unregistered senders have seen a noticeable decline. In August 2024, the number of such complaints stood at 1.89 lakh, which dropped to 1.63 lakh in September, marking a 13% reduction, and further declined to 1.51 lakh in October, a 20% reduction from August.

In addition to cracking down on violators, TRAI has also introduced measures to enhance message traceability. On August 20, 2024, TRAI directed that all messages from senders to recipients must be traceable, with the mandate coming into effect on November 1, 2024. To allow time for necessary technical upgrades, TRAI extended the deadline to November 30, 2024, for Principal Entities (PEs) and Telemarketers (TMs) to complete their chain declarations.

To ensure compliance and raise awareness, TRAI has organized a series of webinars for stakeholders. The first webinar, held on November 12, 2024, in association with Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd, was attended by over 1,000 representatives from regulated entities such as RBI, SEBI, PFRDA, and IRDAI. The second webinar, conducted with Vodafone Idea Ltd. on November 19, 2024, attracted more than 800 participants from various government departments and regulated entities. 

Another webinar, scheduled for November 25, 2024, will be hosted in collaboration with Tata Teleservices Ltd., with invitations extended to a wide array of government officials, regulatory bodies, and industry organizations.

As a result of these initiatives, more than 13,000 Principal Entities have already registered their message chains with access providers, with registration continuing at a rapid pace. Access providers have also sent warning notices to PEs and Registered Telemarketers (RTMs) who have yet to make the necessary updates. TRAI has emphasized that any message that does not comply with the defined telemarketer chain will be rejected, urging all entities to complete the declaration process promptly.

These actions by TRAI represent a concerted effort to curb spam communications and ensure greater transparency and accountability in the telecom sector.

TRAI takes strong action against spam calls; implements measures for message traceability

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s (MoHFW) draft amendment to the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) rules, requiring OTT platforms to stream 30 second non-skippable anti-tobacco advertisements, have faced strong opposition from stakeholders. Multiple stakeholders wrote  to MoHFW as their response during the consultation process. 

Stakeholders argue that MoHFW is infringing on the authority of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), which oversees OTT platforms. Stakeholders have pointed out that the draft COTPA Amendment Rules cite Section 31 of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply, and Distribution) Act, 2003 (COTPA Act), which grants the Union Government the power to make rules regarding anti-tobacco warnings.

A key stakeholder stated, “The draft COTPA Amendment Rules directly regulate OTT platforms and their published content. According to Rule 8, Part III of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, publishers of online curated content fall under the MIB’s jurisdiction.”

The stakeholder added, “Additionally, the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961 specify that ‘Films and Audio-Visual programs/content made available by online content providers/publishers’ are under MIB’s purview. By issuing the draft COTPA Amendment Rules, the MoHFW has bypassed the nodal ministry for OTT platforms and overstepped its authority.”

According to a recent report by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), the number of internet subscribers in India increased from 936.16 million in December 2023 to 954.40 million in March 2024, reflecting a quarterly growth rate of 1.95%. This growing internet penetration positions India as a highly attractive market for OTT video streaming services. The revenue of India’s video OTT market is projected to rise from $1.8 billion in 2022 to $3.5 billion by 2027.

Stakeholders have also expressed concern over the heavy compliance burden on OTT platforms. To meet the amendment's requirements, platforms would need to edit extensive amounts of content. They plan to challenge the amendment’s validity in court, arguing that OTT platforms fall solely within MIB's regulatory scope.

A research report titled The Effectiveness of Tobacco Disclaimers on OTT Content Services by Koan Advisory Group, published in May 2023, found that OTT content does not significantly influence smoking habits in India. Instead, factors like peer pressure and stress are the main drivers.

Another stakeholder, speaking anonymously, emphasized the unique nature of OTT platforms and their audiences. “The draft COTPA Amendment Rules fail to account for binge-watching habits. Non-skippable tobacco health spots before every episode or content block would result in viewers repeatedly seeing the same ads during a single session.”

The source further highlighted, “The draft rules do not specify the language of the tobacco health spots. Since OTT platforms host content in multiple languages, it would be impractical to customize health spots for each one.”

The draft amendment rules propose that if an OTT platform fails to comply, an inter-ministerial committee, including representatives from MoHFW, MIB, and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, can take suo moto action or respond to complaints.

MoHFW infringing powers of MIB, OTT platforms oppose non-skippable anti-tobacco ads

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has referred the Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) broadcasting proposal to a committee of secretaries. According to sources, this committee includes representatives from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Department of Space (DoS), and MIB. Initially, the D2M broadcasting proposal was intended to go directly to the cabinet.

Direct-to-Mobile is a broadcasting technology that enables users to receive multimedia content on their phones without an internet connection, similar to FM radio, where signals are transmitted and received by a device’s receiver. The government plans to roll-out D2M nationwide especially in tier II and III cities. 

Prasar Bharati, in partnership with IIT Kanpur and Saankhya Labs (Tejas Networks), is currently testing D2M technology in over 19 cities in India. This technology could allow the government to broadcast content in areas lacking internet connectivity, focusing on educational programming and emergency broadcasts.

Telecommunications companies have voiced opposition to the D2M initiative, citing potential business losses in video consumption, one of India’s fastest-growing market. However, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has supported D2M technology as a means to expand digital terrestrial broadcasting, allowing it to coexist alongside cable and satellite.

The MIB has strongly advocated for D2M, highlighting that, of the 280 million households in India, only 190 million have a television, leaving the rest “TV Dark.” In contrast, there are approximately 800 million smartphone users and 250 million feature phone users in the country.

“The MIB had initially planned to present the D2M proposal directly to the cabinet but has since chosen to recommend it to the committee of secretaries instead. Notably, no telecom stakeholders are part of this committee. MIB is still not convinced on the D2M proposal and will seek response from the committee for further plan of action,” said a source close to the development.

“D2M technology will allow broadcasters to extend their reach to even the most remote parts of the country. However, it’s crucial to determine how the government plans to implement D2M technology nationwide,” the source added.

Sanjay Jaju, Secretary of the MIB, recently discussed the benefits of Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) broadcasting, which enables content delivery directly to mobile devices. He noted that Prasar Bharati, in collaboration with IIT Kanpur and Saankhya Labs, is conducting trials with both high-power and low-power transmitters.

Anil Kumar Lahoti, Chairman of TRAI, highlighted the rapid growth in the Media & Entertainment sector, projected to reach ₹3.08 trillion by 2026, driven by the expansion of new media platforms. Lahoti emphasized that Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) broadcasting is becoming a viable alternative technology for content delivery, allowing simultaneous broadcasting without requiring internet connectivity.


EXCLUSIVE: MIB refers D2M broadcasting proposal to committee of secretaries

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released the consultation paper on ‘Regulatory framework for Ground-based Broadcasters’. The consultation paper has been released for seeking comments from stakeholders. 

The Guidelines issued by the MIB over time for the uplinking and downlinking of satellite television channels in India outline the terms and conditions for TV broadcasting services, requiring broadcasters to use satellite methods for delivering their channels to Distribution Platform Operators (DPOs). With advancements in technology, broadcasters can also transmit their channels terrestrially using ground-based methods. 

Similar to satellite channels, these terrestrially transmitted channels can be offered on multiple DPO networks at once, allowing DPOs to retransmit them to subscribers under commercial agreements. Therefore, there is a necessity for a regulatory framework that accommodates the use of ground-based technologies.

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TRAI had even forwarded its recommendations on Regulatory Framework for Platform Services to MIB on November 19, 2014, which included certain recommendations related to ‘Regulatory framework for Ground-based broadcasters’. In this context, the MIB, in a letter dated May 22, 2024, indicated that the recommendations concerning the regulation of platform services have been reviewed and guidelines were issued with the approval of the Competent Authority on November 30, 2022. 

The MIB also noted that during the assessment of TRAI’s recommendations for Ground-Based Broadcasters, it became evident that the circumstances surrounding TRAI's 2014 recommendations might have changed, necessitating a fresh examination. In the letter, the MIB has asked TRAI to conduct a new review and provide recommendations on a 'Regulatory Framework for Ground-Based Broadcasters' in accordance with Section 11(1)(a) of the TRAI Act, 1997.

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As per TRAI, the consultation paper may be accessed on TRAI's website. Additionally, written comments on the consultation paper are invited from the stakeholders by November 15,2024 while counter comments can be submitted by November 29,2024. 


TRAI releases consultation paper for ground-based broadcasters; seeks comments from stakeholders

Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is conducting trials for Direct to Mobile (D2M) Broadcasting in collaboration with Prasar Bharati, IIT Kanpur and Saankhya Labs. During a half day Symposium on ‘Emerging Trends and Technologies in Broadcasting Sector’, organized by TRAI on the sidelines of India Mobile Congress (IMC-2024), the government officials highlighted that Media & Entertainment sector is projected to reach ₹3.08 trillion by 2026.

Sanjay Jaju, Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) in his special address, highlighted the Ministry's role in shaping growth-oriented policies and initiatives for enabling the broadcasting sector. He emphasized the potential of digital radio as an affordable mass communication tool that optimizes spectrum use and delivers better sound quality. 

He also discussed the benefits of Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) broadcasting, which enables content delivery directly to mobile phones. He highlighted that Prasar Bharati, the public service broadcaster in collaboration with IIT Kanpur and Saankhya Labs, is conducting D2M trials using both high-power and low-power transmitters.

He also spoke on the transformative potential of 5G, especially when combined with immersive technologies like Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality, which could offer highly engaging broadcasting experiences. Additionally, he mentioned the significant growth is expected in the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics and Extended Reality (AVGC-XR) sector, which has the potential to boost startup culture, foster creativity, and enhance the experience of content consumption.

Anil Kumar Lahoti, Chairman, TRAI underscored the significant growth trajectory of the Media & Entertainment sector, which is projected to reach ₹3.08 trillion by 2026, driven by the rapid expansion of new media platforms.

Lahoti highlighted that Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) broadcasting is emerging as an alternative content delivery technology allowing simultaneous broadcasting even without Internet. 

Additionally, he stressed upon the benefits of digital radio, especially in areas lacking television connections and reiterated TRAI's commitment to provide forward-looking recommendations and regulations that protect consumer interests, ensuring level playing field for service providers and promoting overall growth of the broadcasting sector. TRAI has recently provided its recommendations for the formulation of National Broadcasting Policy.

MIB, TRAI put weight behind D2M Broadcasting, says trial in progress

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has invited applications for e-auctions to allocate 730 channels across 234 uncovered cities under the third batch of FM Phase-III radio channels.

Earlier in August, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the proposal to conduct the third batch of e-auctions for 730 channels in 234 new cities with an estimated reserve price of Rs 784.87 crore, under the Private FM Radio Phase III policy.

The ministry has now invited applications from prospective bidders who meet the eligibility criteria to submit their applications for auction participation. The deadline for application submission is November 18, 2024.

The auction will begin four days after the mock auction, and participants are required to make the first 25% payment within five calendar days, with the remaining balance due within 15 calendar days of the auction's conclusion and notification of successful bidders by the government.

Complete details regarding the Annual Fee are provided in Clause 6 of the FM Phase-III Policy Guidelines dated July 25, 2011, as amended from time to time.

Permission holders for a new FM radio channel in uncovered cities under the Batch-III FM Phase-III auction must pay an annual fee of 4% of the channel’s gross revenue for the financial year, excluding Goods and Services Tax (GST).

MIB to conduct E-auctions for FM Radio Channels, reserve price set at Rs 784.87 Crore

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has requested multiple stakeholders to submit suggestions and comments for formulating the National Broadcasting Policy (NBP) 2024. The MIB has sent three reminders to the stakeholders but has not received any response further delaying the process. 

Broadcasters have suggested that the NBP should not include OTT platforms. The stakeholders had previously submitted their responses to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). The MIB has written to multiple stakeholders on July 22, August 18, and September 30, seeking comments on the draft National Broadcasting Policy (NBP).

Organisations like the Indian Broadcasting And Digital Foundation (IBDF), The Media Foundation (TMF) and the National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) criticised the inclusion of OTT platforms. 

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) launched a second consultation on April 2 to seek inputs on the National Broadcasting Policy, which the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting aims to release later this year. TRAI had held a pre-consultation on the policy last year.

A leading broadcaster told Storyboard18, “The MIB is seeking feedback and comments on the consultation paper that will be used to formulate NBP-2024. Our point is that we have already submitted our suggestions to TRAI, and this exercise is futile.”

The broadcaster further stated, “The draft released by TRAI includes OTT platforms in its scope. The current consultation paper exceeds TRAI’s authority, as the regulation of content is beyond its jurisdiction.”

When asked if broadcasters will respond to the MIB, a source close to the development said, “The associations and federations have yet to finalize their approach. The broadcasters have already submitted their input, and responding to similar questions from the MIB only complicates matters.”

The Indian Broadcasting and Digital Foundation (IBDF), in its response to TRAI, stated, “We humbly submit that digital media is not part of the broadcasting ecosystem and therefore should not be covered under the proposed policy.”

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), via its letter dated July 13, 2023, requested TRAI to provide its inputs under Section 11 of the TRAI Act, 1997, for the formulation of the National Broadcasting Policy.

TRAI issued a Pre-Consultation Paper on September 21, 2023, to identify the issues that needed consideration for the formulation of the National Broadcasting Policy. Based on the comments received and discussions held with stakeholders, TRAI released the Consultation Paper on “Inputs for Formulation of National Broadcasting Policy-2024” on April 2, 2024.

The Consultation Paper identified focus areas and raised 20 questions, seeking stakeholder comments. TRAI received feedback from 42 stakeholders, including service providers, organizations, industry associations, consumer advocacy groups, and a few individuals.

The Open House Discussion (OHD) was held on May 15, 2024. Additional comments were also received post-OHD. These comments, along with OHD submissions and additional feedback, are being analyzed and considered while drafting the recommendations to the government.

National Broadcasting Policy 2024: MIB's call for stakeholders' inputs met with silence

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has received 55 responses to its consultation paper on audit-related provisions of the Interconnection Regulations, 2017, and the Digital Addressable Systems Audit Manual. In its response to TRAI, Tata Play expressed concerns about the financial strain DTH (Direct-to-Home) platforms face due to high license fees, with no relief granted despite multiple valid appeals to the government.

In its response to TRAI, Harit Nagpal, Managing Director and CEO of Tata Play, highlighted that Distribution Platform Operators (DPOs) are already struggling because of a regulatory environment that favors OTT platforms and broadcasters. Tata Play supports maintaining clause 15.1 of the Interconnection Regulations, 2017, which requires television channel distributors to have their systems audited annually.

Storyboard18 had first reported about the clash of broadcasters and DPOs as TRAI received mixed feedback on its consultation paper released on August 9. Divided industry voices further are likely to create challenges for TRAI to frame a robust regulatory framework for the broadcasting sector. 

In response to TRAI’s question about whether smaller DPOs should be exempt from the audit, Nagpal emphasized the need for uniform compliance, stating, , “The small DPOs should be liable for compliance in the same manner as other DPOs since the TRAI regulations cannot be made selectively applicable. The larger operators have transparent Conditional Access Systems (CAS) and (Subscriber Management System), it is the smaller DPOs that misrepresent their subscriber base.” 

Tata Play argued that the tariff structure and other regulations apply to all entities, regardless of size, and there should be no differentiation in audit requirements. "All operators, big or small, must undergo audits in the same manner," the company stated.

Tata Play has also requested the removal of financial penalties provided under Regulation 15 (1A), which allows for fines of up to rupees two lakhs noted, Nagpal said, “Despite providing the same service of delivering content to end consumers, DTH platforms are the only entity that is burdened with License Fee. Other measures apart from financial disincentives should be brought out so that the DPOs can survive in the industry where they are already facing heavy pecuniary losses.” 

Interestingly, Tata Play has also asked TRAI to remove Clause 15 (2) of the Interconnection Regulations, 2017, which allows for broadcaster-initiated audits of DPOs. Nagpal argued that TRAI is the regulatory authority for DPOs, and thus, only TRAI-mandated audits should be conducted. 

He added, “Through the year the broadcasters do not object to the reports submitted to them, however, towards the end of the year, when there is no concurrence on commercial terms, they bring up the need to audit, with obtuse questions to victimise the DPOs with their threat. This unbound power given to the broadcasters need to be removed to bring a balance in the eco-system.” 

Nagpal stressed that dual audits are unnecessary and that TRAI-mandated audits should be final. Broadcasters should not have the right to audit DPOs, as this duplication only increases costs and burdens DPOs further.


‘Smaller DPOs misrepresent their subscriber base’, says Harit Nagpal, MD and CEO, Tata Play to TRAI

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has received 55 responses to the consultation paper on audit-related provisions of the Interconnection Regulations, 2017, and the Digital Addressable Systems Audit Manual. The industry appears divided over the removal of Clause 15.1 of the Interconnection Regulations 2017, which mandates television channel distributors to have their systems audited annually.

Broadcasters claim that 85 percent of DPOs have not conducted audits in the last four years, resulting in a loss of revenue for the public treasury. With divided industry voices and absence of robust primary data on subscribers and revenue generation, TRAI's route to prescribe robust regulatory framework is likely to face hurdles affecting growth of the broadcasting sector. 

TRAI had issued the consultation paper on August 9 seeking responses from stakeholders until September 6 and counter comments until September 20. The stakeholders responding to TRAI include IBDF, AIDCF, DEN Network, GTPL Hathway, Dish TV, SITI Networks, TATA Play, Airtel, SP Chopra, Piyush Mishra & Co, KR Sriram & Co, Vishwam Cable Network, Uday Infosys, and other private cable network operators in the country.

In its response to TRAI, only the Indian Broadcasting & Digital Foundation (IBDF) advocated for the removal of regulation 15 (1) under the Interconnection Regulations, 2017, and suggested that broadcasters should have the primary right to audit. This aligns with the broadcasters’ interest in making changes to the audit system, as subscriber under-reporting by DPOs during audits leads to financial losses for them.

A broadcaster, speaking on the condition of anonymity, stated, “There is minimal compliance with requirements related to DPO-initiated audits, as the majority of DPOs (85%) fail to conduct these audits or provide audit reports to broadcasters. Moreover, DPOs employ delaying tactics to postpone the start and completion of broadcaster-initiated audits.”

The broadcaster further added, “We urge the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) to nudge TRAI to expedite the removal of Clause 15.1 due to its misuse and lack of compliance. Lack of data will worsen the state of broadcasting sector as DPOs continue to not submit the data to broadcasters.”

The All India Digital Cable Federation (AIDCF) has stated that TRAI should retain regulation 15 (1) and has requested that the authority share a list of non-compliant DPOs on its website. They further requested that broadcasters be mandated not to provide signals to these non-compliant DPOs.

The AIDCF's response states, “Moreover, if any broadcaster is found providing signals to DPOs who are non-compliant, then the broadcasters should be held responsible for the non-compliance of audits and should face a financial penalty (up to ₹10 lakhs) if they are found providing signals to non-compliant DPOs.”

Most distributors, such as DEN Network, GTPL Hathway, Dish TV, SITI Networks Ltd, TATA Play, and Airtel, support keeping regulation 15 (1) and have even suggested better enforcement. Sources indicate that DPOs favor keeping clause 15 (1) because they can use ongoing audits as a reason to delay broadcaster-initiated audits.

To ensure the timely completion of DPO audits, some DPOs have suggested shifting the responsibility to broadcasters. For example, DEN has suggested imposing financial penalties on broadcasters that continue to provide signals to DPOs that do not conduct timely audits.

Many distributors want fixed timelines for broadcaster-initiated audits, with some arguing that such audits are unnecessary. Interestingly, TATA Play and Airtel have suggested removing provision 15 (2) of the Interconnection Regulations, 2017, which allows for broadcaster-initiated audits.

In its response, Airtel proposed removing the broadcaster-initiated audit provision altogether. If it is retained, they suggested that broadcasters should have a fixed period of six months after the DPO audit to initiate their audit if needed. After this period, no further audits should be allowed. While TATA Play recommended that broadcasters should not be allowed to audit DPOs and that Regulation 15 (2) should be eliminated.

With numerous suggestions and a clear divide in the industry, all eyes are on TRAI’s next meeting with stakeholders, which is likely to be held in the second week of next month.