Upgrade DD FreeDish to an addressable system: TRAI

Noting that Prasar Bharati’s DD FreeDish platform lacks an effective mechanism to authenticate data about the number of subscribers accessing the service, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has recommended that it be upgraded to an addressable system saying it will also address the issue of level playing field with private television channels.  

In its recommendations on National Broadcasting Policy (NBP), the authority observed that various reports reveal different data for DD FreeDish households.  

“While some reports indicate there are 45 million households with DD FreeDish, other sources suggest that the number of households are at 58 million, reflecting a huge difference in the subscriber’s data. The addressability of DD FreeDish STBs (set-top boxes) would provide a possible breakthrough to get the exact subscriber counts,” it said.  

“The Authority is of the view to upgrade the non-addressable 'DD FreeDish' platform to addressable systems. Addressability enables efficient transmission of television signals through a STB installed at the customer's premises, facilitating conditional access and ensuring content security.  

“The installation of a Subscriber Management System (SMS) linked to the STB enables the generation of accurate subscriber-wise data, management of subscriber information, channel details and other related activities, thereby enhancing the quality of service provided to subscribers. Therefore, the Authority is of the view that to leverage the potential benefits of the addressable system and to fulfil the mandate of Prasar Bharati of delivering quality content and services in public interest, 'DD FreeDish' platform needs to be upgraded to addressable systems in a time-bound manner with a defined sunset date. This would also address the issue of level playing field with private television channels,” it said.  

Talking about strengthening the public platform, TRAI said that Prasar Bharati should sign bilateral agreements/MoUs which would facilitate distribution of content in other countries, in developing partnerships with international broadcasters and exploring new strategies to address the demands of emerging technologies.  

“The advantage of signing such MoUs would result in exchange of programmes in the areas of culture, education, science, technology, sports, news and other fields. This would also help promote Indian content, showcasing India's soft power on a broader scale,” it said.  

It also suggested a similar solution for All India Radio (AIR).  

“Likewise, AIR should establish content-sharing agreements through MoUs with radio stations in other countries. This would allow AIR content to be broadcast on digital multicast channels in those markets, while also providing access to international content for expatriates and workers living in India,” it said.  

The Authority also recommended that the Government should provide sufficient funding for the development of quality content production and further dissemination of television and radio services of Doordarshan and AIR.  

To enhance content outreach, Prasar Bharati is considering launching its own OTT platform.  

“With its extensive library of Indian and regional content in various languages, Prasar Bharati should leverage the content from Doordarshan and AIR on this new platform.  

“Prasar Bharati’s efforts should focus on content, technology, user experience and strategic promotion to create popular OTT platforms. Collaborating with the MIB for policy support and funding will be essential for developing popular OTT platforms,” it said.  

It also suggested that Prasar Bharati with support from MIB should switch to digital radio by bringing out a transition plan providing appropriate protection for analog radio during the interim period.  

“Prasar Bharati needs to ensure that the digital radio broadcast system should be able to accommodate future upgrades, features and services. The transmission should be in multiple languages to cater to the linguistic diversity of India. Moreover, it is also required to ensure that the ecosystem of digital radio receivers gets developed and the digital radio receivers are commercially available at reasonable and affordable prices,” it said.