The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) organized a dedicated workshop today at its headquarters in New Delhi to train empanelled audit firms responsible for conducting Digital Addressable Systems (DAS) audits. The event marked a crucial initiative towards reinforcing regulatory compliance, ensuring system integrity, and enhancing transparency in the television broadcasting distribution ecosystem.
The day-long workshop witnessed active participation from 43 TRAI-empanelled auditors along with key stakeholders from the broadcasting industry. It served as a collaborative platform for sharing insights, challenges, and experiences encountered during DAS audit processes.
According to TRAI regulations, all distributors of television channels are mandated to undergo annual audits of their Subscriber Management Systems (SMS), Conditional Access Systems (CAS), and related systems by a TRAI-empanelled auditor or M/s BECIL. Failure to comply may attract financial disincentives.
Speaking at the event, Shri Anil Kumar Lahoti, Chairman of TRAI, emphasized the Authority’s commitment to fairness, stating:
“TRAI’s objective is to create a fair and equitable environment for all stakeholders. Our regulatory measures aim to maintain a balanced approach while keeping consumers at the forefront.”
He further highlighted the importance of the role of auditors:
“Audits conducted by empanelled auditors are essential to ensure that systems deployed by DPOs conform to prescribed technical standards. Auditors must function not just as technical reviewers, but as enforcers of transparency, accuracy, and accountability.”
The workshop was held in response to industry feedback seeking periodic training for auditors to refine audit practices and improve the quality of audit reports, aligning them more closely with technical and commercial requirements.
The event featured presentations and technical sessions conducted by experts from BECIL, audit firms, and other industry representatives, contributing to a shared understanding of best practices in DAS audits.
