iWorld
Trai releases consultation paper on telecommunication infrastructure sharing, spectrum sharing, and spectrum leasing
Mumbai: The department of telecommunications (DoT) informed Trai in a letter dated 10 February 2022 that it is proposed to allow sharing of all types of telecom infrastructure and network elements among all categories of service providers licenced under section 4 of the Indian telegraph act, 1885, for provision of authorised telecom services in order to promote optimum resource utilisation among licensees. Through the said letter, DoT sought Trai’s recommendations under section 11(1)(a) of Trai Act, 1997 (as amended) on this issue.
The issues relating to spectrum sharing and leasing have been discussed alongside the concerns relating to infrastructure sharing in light of the stakeholders’ proposal to permit inter-band spectrum sharing and leasing.
In 2020, during the Trai’s consultation process on ‘methodology of applying spectrum usage charges (SUC) under the weighted average method of SUC assessment, in cases of spectrum sharing’, a few stakeholders had requested the authority that inter-band spectrum sharing as well as leasing of four spectrum should be permitted in the country.
Written comments on the issues raised in the consultation paper are invited from the stakeholders by 10 February 2023 and counter-comments by 24 February 2023.
iWorld
Amazon MX Player launches free micro-drama destination Fatafat
New platform offers serialized short-form stories with Munawar Faruqui campaign.
MUMBAI: Amazon MX Player just made micro-dramas free because the only thing shorter than the episodes is now the price tag (zero). Amazon MX Player has launched Fatafat, India’s first completely free premium micro-drama destination, giving mobile-first audiences access to fast-paced, serialized short-form stories without any paywall. Designed for quick viewing bursts, Fatafat features a growing catalogue of romance, drama, thriller and youth-led narratives in bite-sized episodes that are instantly bingeable. Unlike most micro-drama platforms that charge for access, Fatafat removes the barrier entirely, expanding the format’s reach across India.
The launch is supported by a humorous digital campaign fronted by comedian-actor Munawar Faruqui. The spots playfully highlight how small spends on paid micro-drama apps could be better used elsewhere, positioning Fatafat as the smarter, no-cost choice for engaging entertainment.
Amazon MX Player head Karan Bedi said, “Our vision has always been to make premium entertainment accessible to everyone, free of cost. With Fatafat, we are extending that promise to the rapidly growing micro-drama category quick, engaging and mobile-first while remaining completely free for viewers across India.”
Amazon MX Player head of content Amogh Dusad added, “Micro-dramas open up exciting creative possibilities for storytelling. With Fatafat, we are building a diverse slate of serialized stories across genres while keeping the experience fast, engaging and accessible to viewers everywhere.”
Munawar Faruqui said, “Today’s entertainment landscape is defined by content that is fast, engaging, and instantly accessible. Shooting for the campaign was a thoroughly enjoyable experience, especially as the scenarios felt incredibly authentic and relatable.”
Fatafat will continue to expand its library with several new titles in the coming months. The destination is available to stream for free on the Amazon MX Player mobile app.
In a country where attention spans are shrinking faster than episode lengths, Amazon MX Player isn’t just joining the micro-drama party,it’s throwing the doors wide open and telling everyone the snacks (and stories) are on the house.
