The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has proposed bringing internet-delivered linear television under a formal but light-touch licensing regime, recommending that apps which stream scheduled TV channels on smart TVs, phones and browsers be authorised as a new category of broadcasting service under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
The regulator released its Recommendations on the ‘Authorisation Framework for Application-based Linear Television Distribution (ALTD) Services’ on 26 October 2026, according to a release issued through the Press Information Bureau (PIB). The framework also covers Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST) services, the free, ad-funded channel line-ups that now come pre-loaded on many connected TVs.
Why the regulator stepped in
The exercise began with a reference from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) on 15 December 2025, which asked TRAI to recommend a framework for FAST services that would ensure parity with conventional TV distribution, content accountability and consumer protection.
In its examination, TRAI found that a growing number of applications aggregate and distribute scheduled linear TV channels — whether pre-installed on TV sets and other devices, downloaded as mobile or smart TV apps, or accessed through web browsers. Because they offer viewers an experience similar to cable, DTH or IPTV but without the same licensing obligations, the regulator chose to treat them collectively as ALTD services.
TRAI floated a consultation paper on 6 April 2026, received 207 comments and 11 counter-comments, and held an Open House Discussion on 10 June 2026 before finalising the recommendations.
What the framework proposes
TRAI has recommended that ALTD 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 key elements include:
- Light-touch licence: a single national service area, initial validity of 20 years renewable in 10-year blocks, a processing fee of ₹10,000 and a one-time entry fee of ₹1 lakh — with no recurring authorisation fee, bank guarantee or security deposit.
- App provider accountable: the application provider would be the primary entity responsible for obtaining authorisation, complying with its terms, and handling consumer complaints and grievance redressal.
- Only approved channels: authorised ALTD platforms may distribute only channels holding valid permission, authorisation or registration from the Central Government, alongside their own platform service channels.
- Internet-native channels: a simple registration route for channels that exist only online, with an approved name and logo.
- Exclusions: broadcaster-owned platforms carrying only their own (or group companies’) channels, and live streams on social media intermediaries, fall outside the scope.
Smart TV makers and app stores get duties too
A notable feature is the role assigned to device and platform companies. TRAI has recommended that MIB maintain a ‘Master ALTD app repository’, and that original equipment manufacturers — including television makers — and operating system providers ensure only authorised ALTD apps are offered on their devices and app stores. They would file an annual compliance report with MIB in a prescribed format.
The regulator has also recommended that viewership of channels carried on ALTD apps be folded into the national television audience measurement framework, with authorised providers allowed to publish anonymised periodic viewership data in line with the TV Ratings Policy, 2026.
A digital-first compliance process
From an e-governance standpoint, TRAI has recommended that the terms and conditions be notified as Rules under Section 56 of the Telecommunications Act, 2023, and that authorisation, channel registration and reporting all be handled through an online portal. Combined with the central app repository, the design points to a largely paperless, registry-driven model of oversight for a fast-growing segment of digital media.
TRAI said the recommendations aim to support the orderly growth of internet-based linear television while promoting innovation, ease of doing business and regulatory certainty. They build on its February 2025 recommendations on service authorisations for broadcasting under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
What happens next
The proposals are recommendations to the government and do not take effect on their own. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Department of Telecommunications will need to consider them and notify rules before ALTD platforms, TV manufacturers and app stores face any new obligations.
Featured image: representative photo of smart TVs on display. Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC0).