TRAI moves to formalise FAST TV ecosystem, flags gaps in streaming

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has initiated a fresh consultation process to frame a regulatory architecture for application-based linear television distribution (ALTD) services, including Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST) platforms, marking a significant step toward bringing internet-delivered TV channels under formal oversight.

The move follows a reference from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) in December 2025, which flagged growing concerns from industry stakeholders over the rapid and largely unregulated expansion of FAST services in India.

Regulatory gap in a fast-growing segment

FAST platforms—typically preloaded on smart TVs or accessible via apps—offer linear TV channels and on-demand content free of cost, supported by advertising. However, unlike traditional distribution platforms such as cable, DTH, or IPTV, these services currently operate without a licensing or registration framework.

TRAI noted that this regulatory vacuum has created an uneven playing field. Stakeholders, particularly multi-system operators (MSOs), have argued that FAST platforms are effectively distributing television channels without adhering to the Programme and Advertising Codes or the downlinking guidelines mandated for traditional broadcasters.

The regulator has previously acknowledged that FAST services, to the extent they stream linear TV channels, perform functions similar to distribution platform operators (DPOs), but without comparable oversight. This has raised concerns of regulatory arbitrage that could disrupt competitive balance in the broadcasting ecosystem.

Multiple business models, fragmented accountability

The consultation paper highlights the complexity of the FAST ecosystem, identifying at least three distinct business models currently in operation:

Device-led ecosystems, where TV manufacturers operate proprietary FAST platforms with pre-installed apps and share advertising revenues with content providers.

Aggregator-driven models, where Indian distributors rely on overseas entities and third-party aggregators for content delivery, often with limited local accountability.

Operating system-based models, where OS providers offer access to FAST channels via app stores, acting largely as intermediaries without direct content control.

In addition, TRAI has identified a fourth emerging model involving websites and apps that aggregate global TV channels, some of which may not have regulatory approval for distribution in India.

This fragmented structure complicates issues of compliance, content monitoring, grievance redressal, and revenue sharing. In many cases, responsibilities are diffused across multiple entities, including device manufacturers, OS providers, content aggregators, and overseas partners.

Key concerns: compliance, consumer protection, and data

The consultation raises several critical issues for stakeholders:

Content regulation: Ensuring adherence to Programme and Advertising Codes, especially when channels originate from multiple jurisdictions.

Consumer protection: Establishing grievance redressal mechanisms and accountability frameworks.

Data practices: Addressing concerns around viewer data collection, even though most stakeholders claim to collect only anonymised and aggregated data.

Revenue models: Examining advertising-led monetisation and revenue-sharing arrangements with broadcasters.

Notably, some stakeholders do not maintain content recording or archiving systems, citing the absence of such requirements under current OTT regulations—another gap that TRAI may seek to address.

Industry push for regulatory parity

Industry bodies, particularly MSOs, have argued that FAST services violate existing uplinking and downlinking guidelines by distributing television channels without mandatory permissions.

They have also raised concerns over pay TV channels being made available for free on such platforms, potentially undermining subscription-based models.

TRAI acknowledged these concerns in its earlier recommendations, noting that unregulated proliferation of FAST channels could distort the market and impact traditional broadcasters and distribution platforms.

A rapidly evolving TV landscape

The consultation comes amid a broader shift in India’s television consumption patterns. With the rise of connected TVs and internet-based viewing, audiences are increasingly migrating from traditional pay TV to digital platforms.

Industry estimates suggest that India has over 190 million TV households, with connected TV (CTV) adoption growing rapidly and beginning to rival traditional linear TV viewership. FAST services, positioned at the intersection of linear and digital TV, are emerging as a key growth segment.

Road ahead

TRAI has sought stakeholder comments on defining ALTD services, identifying key players in the value chain, and establishing authorisation norms, consumer safeguards, and audience measurement frameworks.

The regulator has also reiterated its earlier recommendation that a separate authorisation category for FAST channel distribution may be introduced under the broader broadcasting services framework.

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

The outcome of this consultation is expected to shape the future of internet-delivered television in India, as regulators attempt to strike a balance between innovation, consumer interest, and fair competition in an increasingly converged media landscape.