New Delhi (NVI): The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, today approved revision of the guidelines for providing Direct-To-Home (DTH) services in the country under which licenses would now be issued for 20 years in place of 10 years.
Addressing a press briefing, Javadekar said that license for DTH would be issued for 20 years and the license fee would be collected on a quarterly basis.
Previously, the license for all service providers was issued for a duration of 10 years, according to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).
Javadekar said the change in guidelines would also allow 100 per cent FDI in the DTH sector.
“DTH operators shall be permitted to operate to a maximum of 5 per cent of its total channel carrying capacity as permitted platform channels. A one-time non-refundable registration fee of Rs 10,000 per PS channel shall be charged from a DTH operator,” an official statement said.
The DTH is operable on pan-India basis. DTH sector is a highly employment intensive sector. It directly employs DTH operators as well as those in the call centres besides indirectly employing a sizeable number of installers at the grass-root level.
The amended DTH guidelines, with longer license period and clarity on renewals, relaxed FDI limits, etc., will ensure fair degree of stability and new investments in the DTH sector along with employment opportunities.
Meanwhile, Javaderkar during the briefing also said the cabinet approved the merger of Films Division, Directorate of Film Festivals, National Film Archives of India, and Children’s Film Society, India with National Film Development Corporation.
-CHK
