The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on Monday released recommendations proposing a light-touch regulatory framework for Application-based Linear Television Distribution (ALTD) Services, including Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST) platforms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The proposed framework seeks to bring internet-based services that distribute scheduled television channels under a distinct authorisation category, while supporting innovation and strengthening consumer protection in India’s rapidly evolving broadcasting sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to the Ministry of Communications, TRAI has issued its recommendations on the \u201cAuthorisation Framework for Application-based Linear Television Distribution (ALTD) Services\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
TRAI observed that an increasing number of digital platforms aggregate and distribute scheduled television channels through connected TVs, smart TVs, mobile applications and websites. These services provide viewers with a traditional television-like experience over internet networks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The regulator has broadly classified such services as Application-based Linear Television Distribution (ALTD) Services, a category that also includes FAST platforms. FAST services offer scheduled television programming supported by advertising, generally without requiring viewers to pay a subscription fee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The proposed framework aims to establish regulatory clarity for these services as internet-based television distribution continues to expand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Under the recommendations, TRAI has proposed introducing ALTD Services as a distinct sub-category under \u201cTelevision Channel Distribution Services\u201d within the broadcasting authorisation framework under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The proposed definition covers the aggregation and distribution of government-approved linear television channels, internet-native linear channels and platform service channels through applications, websites and similar interfaces on internet-enabled devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The framework would cover the development, deployment and management of these services for users in India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, the proposed framework would exclude broadcaster-owned platforms that distribute only their own channels or those of their group companies. Live streams hosted on social media platforms would also remain outside its scope.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The recommendations follow a request from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) in December 2025, seeking TRAI’s views on developing a regulatory framework for FAST services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The ministry’s objectives included ensuring a level playing field, strengthening content accountability and protecting consumers amid changes in the broadcasting industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
TRAI initiated its consultation process in April 2026. The exercise received 207 stakeholder comments and 11 counter-comments, followed by discussions during an Open House Discussion held in June.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Based on the consultation process, the regulator finalised its recommendations with the aim of balancing innovation, regulatory certainty and consumer safeguards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If adopted, the recommendations could provide a clearer regulatory structure for internet-based television distribution platforms, including FAST services. The proposed approach is intended to address the growing overlap between traditional broadcasting and digital distribution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The recommendations are proposals for a regulatory framework; their release does not, by itself, establish that the proposed authorisation requirements have already come into force. Further government action would determine the implementation of the framework.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on Monday released recommendations proposing a light-touch regulatory framework for Application-based Linear Television Distribution (ALTD) Services, including Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST) platforms. The proposed framework seeks to bring internet-based services that distribute scheduled television channels under a distinct authorisation category, while supporting innovation and strengthening consumer protection […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":28863,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[15],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-28856","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-national"],"yoast_head":"\n