1. On what basis has the Government allowed private TV channels in satellite broadcasting, but not in terrestrial broadcasting?

2. On what basis has the Government decided to permit private terrestrial radio broadcasting and community terrestrial radio broadcasting, but not private terrestrial TV and community terrestrial TV?

3. How is the government implementing TRAI recommendations on terrestrial TV, see http://www.indiantelevision.com /headlines/y2k5/aug/ aug320.htm?
If the government is choosing not to implement these recommendations, why?

4. In discussions with the usage of 700 MHz frequency has the Government looked at proposals and discussions in other countries for shared usage of this spectrum? In case the government has decided to not opt for shared use of this spectrum, please share with us the reasons for this.

5. What is the process by which such changes in use of spectrum are decided? How does civil society participate in this process?

6. Has the government an estimate of the revenue terrestrial TV would generate?

7. Has the government an estimate of the number of people analog terrestrial TV could reach? Has the government an alternate strategy for reaching these people, considering that many of them are poor and cannot afford satellite TV?

In so far as permission for Community terrestrial radio broadcasting is concerned, Government of India approved a policy for grant of licenses for setting up of Community Radio Stations in order to allow greater participation by the civil society on issues relating to development and social change.

Attachment: A copy of Policy guidelines for setting up Community Radio Stations in India.

(1) & (2) No policy decision in respect of allowing private terrestrial TV broadcasting and community terrestrial TV broadcasting has been taken by the Government so far. However, Government as allowed satellite TV broadcasting, FM and Community Radio Service Policy wit approval from the Union Cabinet.

(3) The Government has been examining the TRAI's recommendations of terrestrial TV and no final decision has been taken so far on these recommendations of TRAI.

(4) & (5) The information asked for falls within the purview of Department of Telecommunications (WPC wing). Your application has been forwarded to them for furnishing the requisite information.

(6) Question does not arise in view of reply to point (3) above.

(7) No such records is available with the undersigned.

The usage of 700MHz frequency has been in line with the usage of International Frequency Allocation Plan and subsequently National Frequency Allocation Plan.

The extract of the footnote India Remarks IND 37 of NFAP-2008 Document, for the use of 585-806 MHz in India is as under: "In the context of frequency band 585-806 MHz, bearing in mind that the band is predominantly for broadcasting services which include mobile TV, requirements of IMT an Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) subject to availability of spectrum in the frequency band 698-806 MHz may be considered for coordination on case by case basis as appropriate."

It is also to inform that major wireless users participate in finalization of the National Frequency Allocation Plan, which is a public document. The National Frequency Allocation Plan-2008 presently in force is available on website www.wpc.dot.gov.in.