(a) whether the Government proposes to phase out obsolete analog transmitters;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reason therefor; and
(c) whether this move will provide for additional spectrum as a result of the phase out; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING; AND MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
(SHRI ANURAG SINGH THAKUR)
(a) & (b): In view of emerging trends in Broadcasting, and availability of “DD FreeDish”, a free-to-air, Direct to Home (DTH) Service of Prasar Bharati in the country (carrying more than 150 TV channels including 51 educational channels, without any monthly subscription), the Analog Terrestrial TV (ATT) Transmitters carrying only one channel have lost their relevance. The signals of “DD FreeDish” can be received in the country with the help of small sized low cost dish receiver units except in Andaman & Nicobar Island. According to market estimates, there are more than 40 million households with set top boxes capable of receiving DD FreeDish DTH channels. Accordingly, Prasar Bharati has decided to phase out the obsolete ATT. So far, more than 1000 Doordarshan ATTs have been closed in phased manner barring around 50 ATTs in strategic locations in the country.
Low viewership of ATTs, no incremental revenue and high maintenance cost of the old outlived Analogue terrestrial TV Transmitters and emerging trends in Broadcast Technology are the key factors driving the decision of closure of ATTs.
(c) & (d): Phasing out of obsolete analog transmitters will make valuable spectrum available for new & emerging technological solutions for digital terrestrial broadcasting and other services.
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