TRAI to present views on FI limit in broadcasting

MUMBAI: Telecom Regulatory Authority of India on Friday said it would submit its recommendations on foreign investment limits in various segments of broadcasting sector to the government by this month-end.

"We are considering various issues at the moment and will submit our recommendations on foreign investment limits in various broadcasting sector to the (Information and Broadcasting) Ministry by the end of this month," R N TRAI Member Prabhakar told media here.

Prabhakar was here to take part in an open house discussion with stakeholders on the issue. Before seeking recommendations from TRAI, the I&B Ministry had proposed certain foreign investment limits in different sectors backed with reasons.

The Ministry has proposed raising limits to 74 per cent in teleport and DTH from 49 per cent now, 74 per cent in satellite radio and HITS, 24 per cent in FM radio from 20 now and retaining the existing limits in cable network and TV channels (news and current affairs channel) at 26 per cent.

TRAI had earlier recommended that 100 per cent foreign investment should be allowed in the satellite radio sector, but the government believes that "the satellite radio broadcasting network should also be kept at the level of 74 per cent for the time being to enable entry of Indian companies in a relatively new sector".

The I&B Ministry had also stated that it would not be proper to raise the FI limit in cable network to 74 per cent from 49 per cent now, as this would shift the control to the foreign partners.