Through a notification yesterday, the Government of India has entrusted the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) with the additional responsibility of overseeing the broadcasting and cable services sector as a regulator. The new stipulation maintains that TRAI will regulate the terms and conditions of broadcasting licences, revenue-sharing between various stakeholders and pay channel prices.

It is interesting to note that the TRAI Act was amended in 2000 to allow the inclusion of broadcasting under telecom services. The new role for TRAI comes close on the heels of its successful resolution of the complex issue of limited mobility through the unification of telecom licences recently.

Commenting on his new responsibility, Pradip Baijal, chairman, TRAI, told Business Standard, "Our priority will always be to look after consumer interests. Just like we have been able to protect consumer interests in the telecom sector by ensuring low tariffs, we will do the same for the broadcasting sector and work on a resolution of all issues. The regulator will recommend measures to facilitate competition and promote efficiency in the operation of broadcasting services to facilitate their growth.###DQ###