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I&B Ministry Considers Extending FM Phase III Deadline

I&B Ministry may extend FM Phase III deadline. Radio operators seek more time for applications and auctions.
The I&B Ministry is considering extending the deadline for FM Phase III applications and auctions to address industry concerns.

New Delhi: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) is contemplating an extension to the application deadline and e-auction for the allotment of 730 FM radio channels across 234 uncovered cities under FM Phase III. This move comes in response to concerns raised by numerous radio operators.

The original deadline for applications was set for November 15th. However, industry players have appealed for an extension until January 15th, 2025, citing the extensive time required to assess the market potential of each city. They have also suggested postponing the auction to April to allow for increased budgetary allocations.

Radio operators have also expressed concerns about the lengthy empanelment process with the Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity (DAVP), which could take up to two years. They have requested expedited empanelment for successful bidders to ensure timely revenue generation.

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In response to these concerns, the I&B ministry has assured operators that it will expedite the empanelment process for permission holders in the newly uncovered cities. The ministry has also clarified that it has considered the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) recommendations and amended the FM Policy accordingly.

Furthermore, the ministry has removed the requirement for radio operators to submit schematic drawings and specifications to the Broadcast Engineering Consultants India Limited (BECIL) for vetting.

The I&B ministry’s decision to extend the deadline and address the concerns of radio operators is expected to facilitate a smoother rollout of FM Phase III and enhance the reach of radio broadcasting in India.

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