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
Warner Chappell Music launches India ops, Jay Mehta to lead unit
WMG shifts to direct model, unifying publishing and recorded music
MUMBAI: Warner Chappell Music has officially launched direct operations in India, marking a strategic shift by parent Warner Music Group to deepen its presence in one of the world’s fastest-growing music markets.
The move replaces the company’s earlier sub-publishing model with a full-fledged, on-ground operation, aimed at giving Indian songwriters stronger access to global networks, rights management tools, and creative infrastructure.
To lead the push, Jay Mehta has been handed an expanded mandate. Already serving as managing director of Warner Music India, Mehta will now oversee both recorded music and publishing across India and neighbouring South Asian markets, effectively bringing the two sides of the business under one roof.
The unified structure is designed to streamline how artists and songwriters work with the company, offering a more integrated ecosystem that spans compositions, recordings, and global distribution.
Warner Music Group managing director, recorded music and publishing, India and SAARC Jay Mehta said, “India’s songwriters are world-class, constantly redefining genres and pushing creative boundaries. By establishing a direct footprint for Warner Chappell, we’re bridging the gap between local brilliance and global opportunity.”
The timing is no coincidence. According to CISAC, creator collections in India jumped 42 per cent year-on-year to Rs 7 billion in 2024, while IFPI ranks India as the 15th largest recorded music market globally. At the same time, the industry is undergoing a structural shift, with independent and non-film music gaining ground over traditional Bollywood soundtracks.
Warner’s bet is that a direct presence will help it capture this changing dynamic. The company is also offering India-based creators access to its proprietary tools, including AI-powered royalty matching systems and real-time analytics platforms, aimed at improving transparency and earnings visibility.
Warner Chappell Music co-chair and CEO Guy Moot said the move is about shaping a publishing ecosystem that “works for creators and ensures their music is heard, protected, and rewarded everywhere.”
Meanwhile, Warner Music Group CEO Robert Kyncl underlined India’s importance to the company’s global strategy, noting that the new structure creates a “unified powerhouse” for both creators and audiences.
With local studios, global reach, and tighter integration across its business lines, Warner is clearly doubling down on India. And as streaming habits evolve and independent music rises, the company is positioning itself to be not just a participant, but a key architect of the country’s next music chapter.
