The 81st e-auction of DD Dish marks a significant milestone in the evolution of India’s only free Direct-To-Home (DTH) service. Managed by Prasar Bharati, DD Free Dish has been a cornerstone in providing free-to-air television to millions of households across the country. This auction, like its predecessors, aims to allocate slots to various television channels, ensuring a diverse and rich viewing experience for its audience. Last Date of Application submission is 27th August at 03:00 PM and E-auction will take place on 28th August at 12:00PM Tentatively. Channels will be added for a period of 04 September to 31 March 2025.
Slots
There are total of 3 slots available on MPEG-2
1. TEST 110
2. TEST 116
3. TEST 520
What is DD Free Dish?
DD Free Dish, formerly known as DD Direct+, was launched in December 2004. It was rebranded in 2013 and has since grown to become a vital service for many Indian households. Unlike other DTH services, DD Free Dish does not charge a monthly subscription fee, making it an attractive option for viewers who prefer free access to television content. The service currently offers a mix of 2 HD channels, 106 SDTV channels, and 48 radio channels.
The E-Auction Process
The e-auction process is a transparent and competitive method used by Prasar Bharati to allocate channel slots on DD Free Dish. Channels from various genres, including news, entertainment, music, and regional content, participate in these auctions. The 81st e-auction is expected to bring in a fresh lineup of channels, enhancing the variety and quality of content available to viewers.
Key Highlights of the 81st E-Auction
Increased Participation: The 81st e-auction has seen a surge in participation from both new and established channels. This increased interest is a testament to the growing popularity and reach of DD Free Dish.
Diverse Content: With channels from different genres and languages participating, viewers can look forward to a more diverse range of content. This includes regional channels that cater to local audiences, ensuring that DD Free Dish remains inclusive and representative of India’s cultural diversity.
Technological Advancements: The auction process has been streamlined with the use of advanced technology, ensuring a smooth and efficient allocation of slots. This not only benefits the participating channels but also enhances the overall viewer experience.
Economic Impact: The revenue generated from the e-auction helps fund the operations of Prasar Bharati, enabling it to continue providing free-to-air services. This is particularly important in a country like India, where access to affordable entertainment and information is crucial.