NEW DELHI: After trying out consultants for the era of digitalisation and migration from the present set-up, broadcast and cable regulator, Telecom Regulatory of Authority of India (Trai), now wants to engage consultants for satellite radio broadcast to advise it on a policy framework for the segment.
 

The consultants would be required to give their report and draft recommendations and would be required to furnish their reports on the following points:-

o Study of international trends on satellite radio.

o The report should cover at least four countries.

o The report should cover the statutes and regulations adopted by these countries towards satellite radio. 

o The report should also cover the technical standards adopted by these countries.

o Consultant would provide draft recommendation/regulations appropriate for India situations.
 
 
For this purpose, Trai has invited expressions of interest from reputed consulting firms by 1 October, 2004.

Presently, worldover, there are three satellite digital radio systems, which are in operation. These are World Space, XM Radio and Sirius Radio. The three systems are capable of individually providing about hundred radio channels of digital quality.

World Space, through the western beam of its Asiastar satellite is providing about 40 radio channels over the Indian sub-continent. The satellite digital radio has great potential for India due to its large size, Trai feels.

With regard to the international scenario and the benefits that result from satellite radio, Trai proposes to examine the need for regulating the satellite radio and also look at the possibility of promoting uplinking from India.

Before the start of work, the consultant will indicate the number and names of the countries to be studied, to Trai for approval and submit a report latest by 30 November 2004. Based on comprehensive information on satellite radio in these countries, and taking account of any special features of the 

Indian situation, the consultant shall provide draft recommendations, including suggestions on policies/ regulations to promote this segment.

According to Trai, five parties will be short listed on the basis of the team handling the project and experience of handling similar nature of projects and would be required to make a presentation of their credentials and the approach to the proposed project before a committee on 8 October, 2004.

The firms will be assessed on the following criteria for marks mentioned against these parameters:

(a) Experience and capabilities in handling similar projects as consultants

(b) Sector expertise and experience

(c) Understanding of satellite radio industry and problems of change

(d) Proposed consultant team qualification to the project

(e) Local and global presence

(f) Research capabilities

Final selection would be conveyed on 15 October, 2004 and the successful bidder would start work on 20 October.