The author is senior director of technology strategy and standards at Xperi, the parent company of HD Radio.
India’s radio landscape is on the verge of a dramatic transformation. With the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India publishing its “Recommendations on Formulating a Digital Radio Broadcast Policy for Private Broadcasters,” the stage is set for a bold evolution — one that aligns well with global digital trends.
Amid several viable digital standards, we feel that HD Radio emerges as the clear frontrunner, meeting every requirement TRAI has outlined, with the technology already thriving in the global market.
India’s vision for digital radio
TRAI published recommendations in October with an aim to modernize FM broadcasting across India. The plan introduces a simulcast model that allows one analog FM channel alongside three digital sub-channels and one data channel on the same frequency.
It also calls for a single technology standard to avoid fragmentation and simplify receiver manufacturing. Existing broadcasters are offered the opportunity to launch digital services on a voluntary basis using their current FM frequencies, and an auction for the top 13 urban markets will provide 15-year licenses with a requirement to launch digital services within two years.
Additionally, TRAI emphasizes the inclusion of data services such as metadata, traffic updates and emergency alerts.
Why is it the fit?
HD Radio clearly fulfils the TRAI requirements to achieve a successful and enduring FM radio industry:
- True simulcasting: HD Radio enables one analog FM channel and multiple digital sub-channels at the same frequency band — TRAI’s preferred simulcast model.
- Single-frequency operation: Through its In-Band On-Channel design, HD Radio lets digital signals coexist with analog signals on the same channel without requiring additional spectrum.
- Data stream support: HD Radio’s integrated Program Service Data Plus includes metadata like song titles, artist names, traffic and emergency alerts — mirroring TRAI’s specifications.
- Receiver ecosystem: HD Radio is already present in millions of consumer devices — cars, phones, Bluetooth speakers — especially in North America, Latin America and parts of Asia, ensuring accessible and scalable adoption.
- Commercial track record: With more than 2,900 stations actively broadcasting in HD Radio, the technology is no prototype.
HD Radio broadcasting is a mature technology with a diverse ecosystem and a global supply chain supporting integrated metadata and emergency alert features. It is already deployed in more than tens of millions of cars and devices worldwide with more than 750 million hours of digital program listening weekly.
[Related: “Get the Most Out of Your HD Radio Installation”]
Today, more than 115 million HD Radio-equipped cars are on the road globally, and 60% of all cars sold in North America include HD Radio as standard or optional equipment. Additionally, many consumer devices, including desktop and Bluetooth speakers, support HD Radio technology.
It has even been integrated into phones in the Philippines, proving its adaptability for emerging markets.
India industry groups back HD Radio
In July, the India Cellular & Electronics Association and the Association of Radio Operators for India formally endorsed HD Radio as the preferred technology standard for India’s digital FM rollout. This joint endorsement followed extensive consultations and technical evaluations. Both organizations emphasized HD Radio’s compatibility with automotive systems, mobile devices and consumer electronics.
Adding to this momentum, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology Electronic Design and Testing Centre, a venture of the Government of India, has already developed HD Radio-enabled products that can be manufactured domestically under the Make in India initiative and exported globally.
This ensures India can become a hub for digital radio technology production, benefiting both local consumers and international markets.
A matter of public safety
HD Radio’s emergency alert capability allows broadcasters to transmit critical information — such as disaster warnings, evacuation routes and localized alerts — directly to receivers even when mobile networks are congested or unavailable.
These alerts can include text instructions, maps and multilingual messages, ensuring clarity during crises. In the U.S., HD Radio has been used to deliver hurricane evacuation updates and wildfire warnings, proving its reliability in real-world emergencies.
[Related: “Letter: HD Radio Has Its Place in the U.S., but Not in India”]
For India, this means broadcasters can provide life-saving information during floods, cyclones or other disasters without relying on internet connectivity, enhancing national resilience and public safety.
With the opportunities additional digital capacity can provide for community services, as well as access to public service information to disadvantaged groups, a successful digital radio ecosystem greatly benefits society. This could also include a wider dissemination of government communications, from policy updates and healthcare information to additional channels for the monthly Mann Ki Baat audience.
The time is now for India
To seize this opportunity, India should formally adopt HD Radio as the national standard for VHF Band II and launch pilot projects in metros to showcase listener benefits. ICEA and AROI can mobilize device makers and OEMs to ensure HD-enabled products reach the market quickly. Public education campaigns will help consumers understand the improved audio quality and features, accelerating adoption.
TRAI’s recommendations set the stage for a future-ready radio ecosystem. With formal endorsements from ICEA and AROI, strong support from industry stakeholders, and manufacturing readiness through the MeitY Electronic Design and Testing Centre, HD Radio is the obvious choice.
India now has the chance to lead a new era of interactive, high-quality radio programming and product development. The blueprint is ready; the time to act is now.
We have also published commentaries from the Digital Radio Consortium, advocating for the Digital Radio Mondiale digital radio standard in India. Read the most recent one here.
