The 87th online e-auction for vacant MPEG-2 slots on DD Free Dish, India's free-to-air Direct-To-Home (DTH) service operated by Prasar Bharati, is scheduled for May 19, 2025. This auction aims to allocate slots valid from May 28, 2025, to March 31, 2026, providing an opportunity for private broadcasters to reach a nationwide audience without subscription fees.

Application Deadline: Extended to May 18, 2025, at 3:00 PM

E-Auction Date: Tentatively set for May 19, 2025 (Monday)

Slot Validity Period: From May 28, 2025, to March 31, 2026

Currently Vacant Slots are:

TEST 415

TEST 418

TEST 419

TEST 520

The auction will be conducted in six rounds, each targeting specific channel categories (referred to as "buckets") with corresponding reserve prices:

Round 1: ₹13.75 crore – Open to all categories (Buckets A+, A, B, C, D, R).

Round 2: ₹10.96 crore – Buckets A, B, C, D, R (excluding A+).

Round 3: ₹9.32 crore – Buckets B, C, D, R.

Round 4: ₹6.83 crore – Buckets C, D, R.

Round 5: ₹5.94 crore – Buckets D, R.

Round 6: ₹2.53 crore – Bucket R only. 

Eligibility & Application Requirements -

Pay a participation fee of ₹1.5 crore and a non-refundable processing fee of ₹25,000.

Submit valid uplinking/downlinking permissions.

Provide a content schedule ensuring that at least 75% programming aligns with the declared genre and language (excluding ads and promos).

Sign an Integrity Pact, with the process overseen by independent monitors appointed in consultation with the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC).

Securing a slot on DD Free Dish offers broadcasters access to over 45 million households, especially in rural and remote areas, enhancing their reach without subscription barriers.

You can find the list of currently available MPEG-2 TV channels on the DD Free dish.