I&B Ministry
I&B Ministry warns Jammu & Kashmir DPOs against carrying unauthorised channels
MUMBAI: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has issued a warning to MSOs and cable operators in Jammu and Kashmir. In a communication issued by joint secretary Vikram Sahay, it has unequivocally asked them to cease transmitting unauthorised channels on their cable TV networks and comply with the provisions of the Cable TV Regulations Act, 1995.
Sub Rule 6(6) of the Cable TV Rules specifies that no cable operator/MSO shall carry or include in his cable service any television broadcast or channel which has not been registered by the central government for being viewed within the territory of India.
Failure to comply with these directions would invite penal action by the central and state governments/UT including withdrawal of license and confiscation of equipment.
The ministry released a notice stating that some private channels which are not permitted by the MIB are being transmitted by some cable operators on their networks. The ministry has reports of the broadcast of unauthorised channels by LCOs/MSOs in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, which are not permitted by this ministry for being broadcast into the country.
It further said, “The UT administration/district administration may ensure that no TV channels, which are not permitted, are transmitted in your district by any cable operator. In case of violations, necessary and prompt action must be taken by the authorized officers in the district against the defaulters to stop transmission of these channels.”
I&B Ministry
Digital radio, D2M tech set to reshape broadcasting and public messaging
Govt pushes next-gen delivery while TRAI tightens grip on spam ecosystem
NEW DELHI: India’s broadcasting and telecom landscape is undergoing a quiet but significant upgrade, with digital radio and Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) technologies emerging as powerful tools for mass communication, while regulators step up efforts to tackle spam calls.
According to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, digital radio and D2M are poised to transform how content reaches audiences by making more efficient use of spectrum. In simple terms, multiple channels can now be delivered over a single frequency, opening the door to a wider range of free-to-air content.
D2M technology takes this a step further by enabling video, audio and data to be broadcast directly to mobile handsets without relying on SIM cards or mobile data. The result is a resilient and cost-effective data pipe that can deliver everything from entertainment and education to critical emergency alerts, even in low-connectivity scenarios.
At the same time, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India is tightening its grip on unsolicited commercial communication, better known as spam calls. The regulator has deployed a distributed ledger technology platform to bring transparency and accountability into the system.
Through this blockchain-based setup, consumers can register their preferences on receiving promotional messages, while businesses and telemarketers must also sign up and operate within defined rules. The platform also includes a complaint mechanism that allows users to report spam, with complaints shared across telecom operators for coordinated action.
The government’s broader push is being supported by infrastructure upgrades under the Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development scheme. Implemented through Prasar Bharati, the initiative focuses on modernising networks such as Akashvani and Doordarshan, including digitisation and adoption of next-generation broadcast equipment.
In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting minister of state for information and broadcasting L. Murugan said these steps are part of a larger effort to promote emerging technologies and strengthen the country’s broadcasting backbone. The response came to a query raised by member of Parliament Rao Rajendra Singh.
Together, these developments point to a dual-track strategy: expanding access to reliable, low-cost content while cleaning up the communication ecosystem. As digital pipes get smarter and spam filters sharper, India’s airwaves may soon feel a lot less noisy and far more useful.
