Even as some pay TV channels, riding the free platform of FreeDish (but were otherwise a pay channel), decided to quit the platform owing to regulatory restrictions, the FTA DTH platform has invited applications for allotment of vacant MPEG-2 slots for the period from April 2025 to March 2026.

Prasar Bharati, Doordarshan FreeDish parent, has said  the seventh annual e-auction process are likely to be held from February 10

The reserve price for MPEG-2 slots for the commencement of e-auction for different Buckets shall be, according to the Prasar Bharati noticer, the following:

Round 1 (Bucket A+) Rs. 15,00,00,000/-

Round 1 (Bucket A) Rs.12,00,00,000/-

Round 1 (Bucket B) Rs.10,00,00,000/-

Round 1 (Bucket C) Rs.7,00,00,000/-

Round 1 (Bucket D) Rs.6,00,00,000/-

Round 1 (Bucket R) Rs.3,00,00,000/-

Only satellite channels permitted and licensed by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) would be allowed to participate in the e-auction. International public broadcasters permitted and licensed by the MIB can also participate in the e-auction process.

Broadcasters desirous of allotment of slot on DD FreeDish are required to provide clear and unambiguous proof in support of genre and language classification of their channel.

 

Meanwhile, Storyboard18 yesterday reported that with the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) tariff regulations coming into effect, select pay TV channels have confirmed leaving DD Free Dish.

According to TRAI regulation, a pay TV channel must convert to free-to-air if it is on a free TV platform such as FreeDish. This requirement was challenged by the broadcasters, but ultimately it was upheld by the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) in December 2024.