[HCDX] FM players object to WorldSpace terrestrial repeater licence

[sakthi vel <ardicdxclub@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

FM players object to WorldSpace terrestrial repeater
licence

FM radio broadcasters have opposed the satellite radio
company WorldSpace?s proposal to offer terrestrial
radio broadcast. They have written to the ministry of
information and broadcasting against issuing
?terrestrial repeater? licence to WorldSpace. 
A terrestrial repeater will enable WorldSpace to
provide its broadcast in cars, directly impacting the
business model of FM radio operators. Satellite radio,
on the other hand, beams signals directly to home via
satellites. 
Currently, there are no guidelines for regulating
satellite radio in India, while FM radio is highly
regulated and has gradually opened up after suffering
heavy losses under the licence fee regime. 

The Association of Radio Operators of India (AROI) in
its letter said, ?We fail to understand why government
of India is working on WorldSpace application, even
when proper guidelines on satellite radio are still
not available.? 

According to sources, WorldSpace moved its application
for terrestrial repeater in one month. ?It is trying
to get licence for L-Band terrestrial repeater (1452;
1492 MHz) ) from I&B ministry,? sources said. 

Once the licence is provided, WorldSpace will beam its
radio stations including news, sports and music
stations directly to listeners in cars, thereby making
FM radio non-viable. Registering protest, Rajiv
Mishra, coordinator, AROI and CEO of Radio Masti said
FM Radio in India is in its nascent stage and the
broadcasters had paid exorbitant one-time-entry fee.
?Government will have to protect FM radio industry for
at least next 10 years. The ministry is already making
plans to welcome new players into the terrestrial
radio arena, directly threatening the existence of the
FM radio licencees. This is not acceptable,? he said. 

Expressing concern, the Telecom Regulatory Authority
of India in its consultation paper said, ?Absence of a
licensing policy causes several problems, including
absence of a ?level playing field? with respect to FM
operators, regulatory uncertainty on the part of the
existing and potential satellite radio operators and
haphazard development of this important industry.?

++++++++++++++++
Jaisakthivel
Ardic Dx Club
www.dxersguide.blogspot.com

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