New Delhi, Jun 25 (IANS): Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on Friday issued a consultation paper on Digital Terrestrial Broadcasting in India which it is planning to open to private players, aimed at reaching larger audiences.

The objectives of the consultation paper is to address issues which include examining the viability of the Digital Terrestrial Transmission (DTT) services in the context of existing multiple digital TV distribution platforms, developing a road map for the transition to DTT and formulate methodology for digitisation of terrestrial TV networks.

Others include assessing spectrum utilisation for existing and future digital terrestrial broadcasting services and setting up a regualtory framework to encourage migration to DTT/Mobile TV channels while ensuring transparency.

TRAI is expecting comments and counter-comments from stakeholders by July 22, 2016.

According to the consultation paper, India currently has 869 private satellite channels, 26 channels broadcast by Doordarshan and 100 million cable TV subscribers.

Public broadcaster Doordarshan uses a network of 1,412 analogue transmitters to provide its services.