TRAI begins free streaming TV regulation consultations after MIB reference, flags regulatory gaps

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has initiated the process of bringing new-age streaming services such as Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST) under a formal regulatory framework, amid growing concerns over regulatory gaps and an uneven playing field with traditional television platforms.

In a consultation paper released on Monday, the regulator has sought stakeholder views on the contours of a framework for Application-based Linear Television Distribution (ALTD) services, a broader category that includes FAST platforms delivering linear TV channels over the internet.



Also read: Growth slows for telcos as subscribers plateau, prices stay low

The move follows a reference from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) dated December 15, 2025, asking TRAI to examine the need for regulating FAST services to ensure parity with licensed distribution platforms, strengthen content accountability, and safeguard consumer interests.

The consultation comes against the backdrop of sustained pushback against FAST services from cable TV and direct-to-home (DTH) operators, who argue that these platforms are expanding rapidly without being subject to the licensing, tariff and quality of service norms applicable to them.

While FAST services offer linear television channels similar to cable and DTH, they operate without formal regulatory oversight. TRAI has noted that to the extent these platforms distribute television channels, they perform functions comparable to Distribution Platform Operators, but without being governed by the same regulatory framework.

Industry stakeholders have flagged this as a case of regulatory arbitrage that risks distorting competition in favour of free, ad-supported platforms. They have also raised concerns that some pay television channels are being made available on FAST platforms in a free-to-air format, potentially violating existing tariff regulations and creating a non-level playing field.

One of the key challenges identified by TRAI is the fragmented and multi-layered nature of the FAST ecosystem, where no single entity has clear end-to-end control. FAST services are delivered through a combination of stakeholders including smart TV manufacturers, operating system providers, application platforms, content aggregators and broadcasters.

In some cases, TV manufacturers such as Samsung, LG and Xiaomi operate FAST platforms through pre-installed applications on connected TVs using proprietary operating systems. In others, FAST services are run by overseas entities or third-party aggregators on Android-based devices sold under multiple brands.

There are also web-based models where platforms aggregate and stream linear channels from multiple sources, including international feeds, sometimes outside the conventional regulatory framework.

This multiplicity of entities complicates the question of regulatory responsibility. The consultation paper specifically asks whether application providers should be designated as the primary entity responsible for authorisation, or whether liability should be shared across stakeholders.

TRAI has framed a set of core questions that will shape the future framework for ALTD and FAST services.

These include how such services should be defined within the Indian broadcasting landscape, given that they combine features of traditional linear television and digital streaming.

The regulator is also seeking views on whether application providers distributing linear TV channels over the internet should be brought under a licensing or authorisation regime similar to cable, DTH, HITS and IPTV operators.

Other key issues include the pricing framework for pay channels offered on FAST platforms, the need for audience measurement standards across devices, and the treatment of hybrid models that combine linear channels with on-demand content.

The consultation highlights concerns around content regulation and consumer protection in the FAST ecosystem.

Unlike traditional broadcasting platforms, where operators are required to comply with programme and advertising codes and maintain monitoring systems, FAST platforms often operate without uniform compliance mechanisms.

In several business models examined by TRAI, content responsibility is fragmented across aggregators, platform operators and overseas entities. In some cases, there is no requirement for content recording or archiving, and grievance redressal mechanisms may be routed through offshore entities.

This raises questions around enforcement of content standards, handling of complaints, and accountability in cases of violations.

Another emerging issue is the collection and use of viewership data by FAST platforms.

While stakeholders have indicated that data collected is largely anonymised and limited to metrics such as watch time and engagement trends, the absence of standardised measurement frameworks poses challenges for advertisers and regulators alike.

TRAI has sought inputs on whether platform-level data disclosure norms or cross-screen audience measurement standards should be introduced to bring greater transparency to the ecosystem.

The regulatory push comes at a time when FAST services are witnessing rapid adoption, driven by the growth of connected TV devices, cheap mobile data and shifting consumer preferences.

According to industry estimates cited in the consultation paper, India is already the fourth-largest FAST market globally. Revenues from FAST services are projected to grow from $63.69 million in 2023 to $104.10 million by 2027.

The number of FAST users in India is expected to rise from over 116 million to nearly 149 million over the same period.

The rise of connected TV households and cord-cutting trends is accelerating the shift towards internet-delivered linear content, blurring the boundaries between traditional broadcasting and digital streaming.

TRAI noted in its earlier recommendations that FAST services represent a new and evolving segment that is yet to be clearly defined within the regulatory framework.

However, given their functional similarity to traditional television distribution, the regulator has indicated that a structured authorisation regime may be required to address regulatory gaps and ensure a level playing field.

The consultation process is expected to form the basis for a future policy framework that balances innovation with regulatory oversight, while aligning the interests of broadcasters, distributors, platform operators and consumers.

Stakeholder comments on the consultation paper have been invited by May 4 and countercomments by May 18.