Rollout of FM Phase III

Stage is set for faster rollout of FM Phase III expansion in the country with the Union Cabinet approving the recommendations of the Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM) at a meeting held on March 3, 2013 regarding amendments in the policy guidelines for expansion of FM radio broadcasting services through private agencies in Phase III.

Apart from the radio auction, various amendments in the policy for expansion of FM radio broadcasting services through private agencies were also discussed at the meeting. The industry experts have decided to charge migration fee from existing operators on their migration from Phase ll to Phase Ill. The amount of migration fee will be decided after consultations with the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).

The EGoM also approved the auction of 839 channels in 294 cities, to be awarded through ascending e-auction, as was approved by the Cabinet at its meeting held on July 7, 2011. The additional channels that may become available due to reduced channel spacing to 400 KHz can be considered subsequently after feasibility studies are completed.

The EGoM also decided that the authority to make any other minor changes in RFP will be delegated to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

Source: http://cablequest.org/news/telecom-news/item/2421-rollout-of-fm-phase-iii.htmlSource: http://cablequest.org/news/telecom-news/item/2421-rollout-of-fm-phase-iii.html