TRAI Unveils Digital Radio Policy for Private Broadcasters in 13 Cities

New Delhi, Oct 2025 : The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on Friday released its recommendations for a digital radio broadcast policy for private broadcasters, setting the stage for a transition from analogue to digital radio services in the country.

The proposed framework covers four “A+” cities — Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai — and nine “A” category cities — Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Surat, Pune, Jaipur, Lucknow, Kanpur, and Nagpur.

Under the policy, digital radio services will be launched in simulcast mode. While new broadcasters will be mandated to adopt the digital format, existing FM operators will be given the option to migrate voluntarily. Each assigned frequency will carry one analogue channel, three digital channels, and one data channel, enabling broader programming and additional services.

Broadcasters must begin simulcast operations within two years of either the completion of the auction process or acceptance of their migration option. However, TRAI noted that the sunset date for analogue FM radio will be decided later, after reviewing the progress of digital adoption across markets.

The recommendations were prepared after the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) sought TRAI’s inputs under Section 11 of the TRAI Act, 1997. A consultation paper was issued in September 2024, followed by an open house discussion in January 2025 before the final recommendations were submitted.

As per the guidelines, authorisations for broadcasters will be valid for 15 years. License fees will be based on adjusted gross revenue (AGR), which will also include revenue from digital streaming.

TRAI highlighted several advantages of digital radio broadcasting. With simulcast capability, broadcasters can operate three digital and one data channel alongside an analogue channel on a single frequency. This ensures superior audio quality, more programming choices, and additional value-added services for listeners.

In contrast, analogue broadcasting permits only one channel per carrier frequency, limiting diversity and innovation. The regulator noted that in a competitive environment, digital radio could unlock new opportunities for broadcasters while offering audiences multiple listening options and interactive features.

The move is expected to modernise India’s radio landscape, strengthen the private broadcasting sector, and bring it in line with global standards of digital broadcasting.