Cabinet paves way for 100% FDI in DTH services; licences for 20 years

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved changes to the guidelines for providing Direct to Home (DTH) services to bring it in line with the existing policy that allows 100 per cent FDI in the DTH broadcasting services sector.

It also said that licences will now be issued for 20 years with a renewal provision after every 10 years. At present, DTH licences are issued for 10 years.

The licence fee has also been lowered from 10 per cent of gross revenue to 8 per cent. The fee will have to be paid quarterly instead of annual payment as at present.

“The licence fee will be similar to that in the telecom sector,” Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar told reporters after the meeting.