NEW DELHI: Broadcast regulator Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has extended till 15 April, the deadline for sending in feedback to a consultation paper on allowing private players in the domain of terrestrial transmission, which may threaten pubcaster Doordarshan's present monopoly.

In a statement issued today the regulator stated that keeping in mind the importance of the issue such a step was being take. The consultation paper had been issued on 25 February 2005 on private terrestrial TV broadcasting service.

The consultation paper covers the issues relating to allowing private broadcasters in the field of terrestrial television broadcasting and the purpose was to generate discussion on the appropriate policy and licensing framework for the introduction of private terrestrial broadcast in India.