MSOs back TRAI move to regulate FAST platforms, seek level playing field

India’s cable television industry has welcomed the government’s move to examine a regulatory framework for Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST) services, calling it a long-overdue step toward restoring parity in the broadcasting ecosystem.

A consultation paper issued by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), based on a reference from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), has brought FAST platforms—currently operating without a formal licensing regime—under the regulatory spotlight.

MSOs back regulatory intervention

Industry bodies representing multi-system operators (MSOs), including the All India Digital Cable Federation, have strongly backed the consultation, stating that it addresses long-standing concerns around the unchecked growth of FAST services.

AIDCF said the consultation paper acknowledges key issues flagged by the cable TV industry, particularly the lack of regulatory oversight, content compliance gaps, and the distortion of the level playing field between licensed operators and unregulated digital platforms.

“The consultation finally recognises the structural imbalance that MSOs have been highlighting. FAST platforms are effectively distributing television channels without adhering to the same rules that govern licensed operators,” said a senior executive at a leading cable distribution firm, requesting anonymity.

Another MSO executive said the move could help correct regulatory arbitrage that has been hurting traditional distribution platforms. “There is a clear asymmetry today. We operate under strict licensing, tariff orders, and content codes, while FAST platforms deliver similar services without any of those obligations. This consultation is a step toward addressing that gap,” the executive added.

Core concerns: compliance and unfair competition

The MIB, in its reference to TRAI, had flagged that FAST services are being delivered through preloaded apps on smart TVs and operate on an advertising-led model without any registration or licensing framework.

MSOs have argued that such services may be violating existing uplinking and downlinking guidelines, which require prior government permission for television channels to be distributed in India. They have also raised concerns over the lack of adherence to Programme and Advertising Codes, which are mandatory for traditional broadcasters and distribution platforms.

Another key issue flagged by the industry is the availability of pay television channels for free on some FAST platforms, which could undermine subscription revenues and disrupt the pricing framework regulated by TRAI.

“Free distribution of pay channels on FAST platforms is a serious concern. It not only impacts revenues but also disrupts the entire value chain that the current regulatory system is built on,” another cable operator said on condition of anonymity.

TRAI flags regulatory gaps

Echoing industry concerns, TRAI has noted that FAST platforms, to the extent they stream linear television channels, perform functions similar to distribution platform operators (DPOs), but without being subject to equivalent regulatory oversight.

The regulator has warned that such regulatory arbitrage could tilt the competitive balance in favour of unregulated players, particularly as FAST services continue to scale rapidly on connected TVs and digital devices.

TRAI has also highlighted the fragmented structure of the FAST ecosystem, where responsibilities for content, compliance, and grievance redressal are split across multiple entities—including device manufacturers, operating system providers, content aggregators, and, in some cases, overseas operators.

AIDCF says concerns addressed

The All India Digital Cable Federation said the consultation paper comprehensively captures the concerns raised by the cable TV industry and opens the door for a structured regulatory approach.

According to industry participants, the inclusion of issues such as authorisation norms, content compliance, consumer protection, and audience measurement indicates that the regulator is moving toward a holistic framework for FAST services.

“This is the first time that all key concerns—from licensing to content accountability—have been formally acknowledged in a regulatory document. It is a positive and necessary move,” an industry executive said.

Toward a level playing field

TRAI has sought stakeholder views on defining Application-based Linear Television Distribution (ALTD) services, identifying responsible entities in the value chain, and establishing norms for authorisation and compliance.

It has also reiterated its earlier recommendation that a separate authorisation category for FAST channel distribution may be introduced to ensure parity with traditional broadcasting platforms.

For MSOs, the outcome of this consultation could be critical in determining whether the competitive imbalance created by FAST platforms is addressed.

“The industry is not resisting change or new technology,” a cable operator said. “But innovation must come with accountability. A level playing field is essential for the long-term sustainability of the broadcasting ecosystem.”

Stakeholders have been invited to submit comments by May 4, 2026, with counter-comments due by May 18, 2026.

As FAST services continue to gain traction among connected TV users, the regulatory framework that emerges from this consultation will play a defining role in shaping the future dynamics between traditional television operators and digital streaming platforms.