The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has recommended bringing internet-delivered linear television, including free ad-supported streaming television (FAST), into the formal broadcasting licensing system.
Background
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting asked TRAI on 15 December 2025 to recommend a framework for FAST services that ensures parity, content accountability and consumer protection. TRAI published a consultation paper on 6 April 2026, received 207 comments and 11 counter-comments, and held an open house discussion on 10 June 2026. It released its recommendations on 26 October.
What TRAI recommends
- A new service category, Application-based Linear Television Distribution (ALTD), under Section 3(1)(a) of the Telecommunications Act, 2023, covering apps, websites and similar interfaces that aggregate and distribute approved linear TV channels over the internet.
- Exclusions for broadcaster-owned platforms that carry only their own (or group) channels, and for live streams on social media.
- The app provider as the entity that must obtain authorisation and handle consumer complaints.
- A national authorisation valid for 20 years, renewable for 10-year periods.
- A master repository of authorised ALTD apps run by the ministry. TV manufacturers and operating system providers must make sure only authorised apps are offered on their devices and app stores, and file annual compliance reports.
- A simple registration route for "internet-native" linear channels; ALTD providers may only carry channels with valid permission or registration.
- ALTD viewing to be included in TV audience measurement under the TV Ratings Policy, 2026.
Who is affected
CNBC TV18 points to services such as Samsung TV Plus and DistroTV as examples of the free live-TV offerings now available in India. It notes that whether each one falls within the new category will depend on the final rules. The recommendations do not take effect until the government accepts them and notifies rules.
Why it matters financially
- Fees: a one-time entry fee of ₹1 lakh and an application processing fee of ₹10,000, with no recurring authorisation fee, bank guarantee or security deposit.
- Direct costs are therefore small. The bigger financial effect is likely to come from compliance duties for device makers and app stores, and from bringing FAST viewing into the ratings system that drives TV advertising revenue. No estimates of market size or compliance costs were published.