TRAI recommends light-touch regulatory framework for internet-based TV services

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has recommended a light-touch authorisation framework for Application-based Linear Television Distribution (ALTD) services, proposing a one-time entry fee of Rs 1 lakh, an application processing fee of Rs 10,000 and an initial authorisation validity of 20 years.

The recommendations, released today, seek to establish a regulatory framework for platforms that aggregate and distribute scheduled television channels over the public internet and other IP-based networks. The proposed framework aims to promote innovation, ease of doing business, consumer protection and regulatory certainty.

The recommendations follow a reference from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) dated December 15, 2025, asking TRAI to examine a regulatory framework for Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST) services. TRAI issued a consultation paper on April 6, 2026, and received 207 comments and 11 counter-comments from stakeholders. An open house discussion was held on June 10, 2026.


Under the proposed framework, ALTD services would be introduced as a distinct sub-category under Television Channel Distribution Services within the broadcasting authorisation framework under Section 3(1)(a) of the Telecommunications Act, 2023.

The proposed definition covers the aggregation of linear television channels approved by the Central Government, including internet-native linear television channels with approved names and logos. It also covers the application provider's own distribution of platform service channels, with or without value-added services, including on-demand audio-visual content, through applications, websites and similar consumer interfaces accessed on internet-enabled devices.

TRAI has recommended that the application provider be the primary entity responsible for obtaining authorisation to provide ALTD services and complying with the applicable regulatory framework.

The proposed authorisation would have a national service area and an initial validity of 20 years, renewable for successive periods of 10 years. The recommendations specify an application processing fee of Rs 10,000 and a one-time entry fee of Rs 1 lakh, with no authorisation fee, bank guarantee or security deposit.

The terms and conditions governing authorisation would be notified as rules under Section 56 of the Telecommunications Act, 2023. TRAI has also recommended that authorisation, channel registration and reporting processes be enabled through an online portal.

The detailed terms and conditions for granting authorisation, including common and service-specific requirements, have been recommended in alignment with TRAI's earlier recommendations on the authorisation framework for broadcasting services, with modifications to reflect the application-based and infrastructure-light nature of ALTD services.

The recommendations propose compliance obligations for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), including television manufacturers, and operating system (OS) providers.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting should maintain a “Master ALTD App Repository”. OEMs and OS providers should ensure that only authorised ALTD applications are made available through their devices and application stores. They would also be required to submit annual compliance reports to the ministry in the prescribed format.

TRAI has recommended a simplified registration framework for internet-native linear television channels. Authorised ALTD service providers would be permitted to distribute only television channels holding valid permission, authorisation or registration from the Central Government.

The proposed framework covers the development, deployment and management of such applications for users in India. However, it excludes broadcaster-owned platforms distributing only their own channels or channels of their subsidiary or holding company. Live streams on social media intermediaries are also excluded.

Under the proposed framework, the ALTD application provider would serve as the primary point of contact for consumer complaints and grievance redressal relating to the service.

TRAI has also recommended integrating viewership of television channels distributed through ALTD applications into the television audience measurement framework. Authorised ALTD application providers should be permitted to publish anonymised periodic viewership data in accordance with the TV Ratings Policy, 2026.

The recommendations aim to facilitate the orderly growth of internet-based linear television distribution services by establishing an enabling authorisation framework.

The recommendations build on TRAI's earlier recommendations, issued on February 21, 2025, on the framework for service authorisations for broadcasting services under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.