Telecom ministry waives off spectrum fee for community radio services

The telecom ministry said Friday that it would waive off spectrum free for community radio services (CRS) in the interest of 'inclusive and informed society' and after considering representations from within the government.

The government decision follows requests from National Advisory Council, ministry of information and broadcasting and the community radio association that sought waiver of spectrum charges.

"Keeping in mind that the government's role is to create an enabling environment for community radio service, telecom department has been asked to evolve detailed guidelines by 12th October, to ensure that the spectrum is optimally used and the channels use these airwaves only to inform and empower the common man," the communications ministry said Friday.

The decision would cost the government only Rs 25 lakh which was outweighed by the benefit of informed, empowered and inclusive local communities and the nation, the ministry added.

Community radio focuses on low cost and low return pattern of operations. It works on funding from local communities that is usually inadequate and irregular, the ministry said.