The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has finalised recommendations proposing mandatory government authorisation for platforms and applications that deliver scheduled linear television channels over the Internet to consumers on smart TVs, mobile devices and web browsers. The recommendations, published after an April consultation paper and stakeholder hearings, cover what TRAI calls application‑based linear television distribution (ALTD) services, which include Free Ad‑Supported Streaming Television (FAST) offerings.
What TRAI wants and who it affects
TRAI proposes a light‑touch authorisation framework that would require entrants to obtain a government authorisation before provisioning ALTD services in India. Key elements included in the recommendations are:
- one‑time entry fee of Rs 1 lakh;
- application processing fee of Rs 10,000;
- initial authorisation validity set at 20 years;
- measures for consumer protection and inclusion of ALTD viewership in TV audience measurement frameworks;
- obligations on original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), operating system (OS) providers and broadcasters to ensure that only authorised applications are pre‑installed or made available on their platforms.
The recommendations follow a reference from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) sent to TRAI on 15 December 2025, asking the regulator to examine and recommend a regulatory framework for FAST services in light of changes in the broadcasting landscape.
Consultation process and stakeholder input
TRAI issued a consultation paper titled “Formulation of a Regulatory Framework for Application‑based Linear Television Distribution (ALTD) Services (Including Free Ad‑Supported Streaming Television (FAST) Services)” on 6 April 2026 and received extensive feedback: 207 comments and 11 counter‑comments were uploaded to TRAI’s website. An open house discussion (OHD) held on 10 June 2026 allowed stakeholders to present views directly to the authority.
Based on stakeholder submissions, inputs from the OHD and its own analysis, the authority finalised recommendations that aim to balance an enabling environment for Internet‑based linear television distribution with consumer safeguards and regulatory certainty.
Implications for industry and consumers
If adopted by government, the framework would mean app stores, smart TV manufacturers and OS vendors must verify authorisation status before pre‑installing or promoting ALTD apps. Broadcasters and FAST aggregators will need to secure the prescribed authorisation and comply with conditions related to content accountability and consumer protection. TRAI also proposes that ALTD viewership be captured in TV audience measurement systems, which could affect advertising and content monetisation for FAST services.
The recommendations do not by themselves change law; they are a formal input to the government. The MIB and other authorities will decide whether to adopt TRAI’s proposals and, if so, the form and timing of statutory or rule changes.
