TRAI’s proposed TV app rules exclude broadcaster-owned platforms, social media livestreams

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has proposed bringing application-based linear television distribution platforms under a new authorisation framework, while excluding broadcaster-owned apps and websites that distribute only their own channels or those of their holding or subsidiary companies. The proposed framework would also exclude live streams on social media intermediaries, with its scope covering the development, deployment and management of such applications for users in India.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has recommended a separate authorisation framework for application-based linear television distribution services, bringing internet-based platforms that aggregate and distribute live TV channels within the proposed broadcasting distribution regime.

In its recommendations dated October 26, TRAI has proposed that application providers offering Application-based Linear Television Distribution (ALTD) services in India obtain authorisation from the Central government under the category of Television Channel Distribution Services. The framework is intended to cover services commonly known as Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST), as well as similar applications and websites distributing linear television channels over the internet.

The recommendations seek to address what TRAI describes as regulatory disparity between conventional television distribution operators and application-based platforms that provide similar services without comparable oversight.

Under the proposed framework, the regulator has recommended a one-time, non-refundable entry fee of ₹1 lakh and a processing fee of ₹10,000. Authorisation would be valid for 20 years, with renewal permitted for successive 10-year periods at a renewal fee of ₹10,000.

In a move intended to keep entry barriers low, TRAI has recommended no minimum net-worth requirement, recurring authorisation fee, bank guarantee or security deposit for ALTD service providers. The recommendations also propose a one-year rollout period, within which an authorised application must become operational.

The framework is designed to establish accountability for internet-based television distribution without imposing the infrastructure-related financial obligations associated with some traditional distribution platforms.

Application providers to become primary regulatory point of accountability

TRAI has recommended placing the responsibility for obtaining authorisation on the application provider, rather than distributing the primary licensing obligation across television manufacturers, operating system providers, broadcasters and technology partners.

According to the regulator, application providers exercise operational and commercial control over the service lifecycle, including channel acquisition, aggregation, electronic programme guide management, advertising insertion, monetisation and delivery to consumers.

The regulator has argued that designating the application provider as the principal responsible entity would create a clearly identifiable point of accountability while avoiding duplication of obligations across the value chain.

Television manufacturers and operating system providers would primarily be responsible for enabling access to authorised applications, while broadcasters and content providers would continue to bear responsibility for compliance with the Programme Code and Advertising Code.

The proposed authorisation would apply nationally and cover applications, websites and similar consumer interfaces that aggregate and distribute government-approved linear television channels over the public internet or other internet protocol-based networks. Platforms may also offer their own platform service channels and value-added services, including on-demand audiovisual content.

However, the proposed scope excludes applications or websites operated by broadcasters that distribute only their own channels or those of specified group companies. Live streams made available through social media intermediaries are also excluded.

The recommendations follow a reference from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) dated December 15, 2025, which asked TRAI to examine the regulatory framework governing FAST services. The regulator subsequently issued a consultation paper on April 6, 2026, and received 207 comments and 11 counter-comments from industry participants and other stakeholders.

The regulator's position is that the nature of the service, rather than the technology used to deliver it, should determine its regulatory treatment. It has concluded that the distribution of scheduled linear television channels over internet networks constitutes a telecommunications service and appropriately falls within the broadcasting authorisation framework envisaged under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.

Some application providers and broadcasters had opposed bringing these services under the proposed framework, arguing that they operate at the application layer, rely on existing internet infrastructure and should be treated as internet-based services rather than conventional broadcasting distribution platforms. TRAI has rejected the argument that internet delivery alone should exempt services performing television distribution functions from broadcasting oversight.

Smart TV manufacturers and operating systems face compliance obligations

The proposed framework also seeks to establish a verification mechanism for applications available through smart television operating systems and application stores.

TRAI has recommended that MIB maintain and periodically update a master repository listing authorised ALTD applications and their providers. The ministry should provide verification mechanisms, such as QR codes or application programming interfaces, to enable original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), including television manufacturers, and operating system providers to verify authorisation status.

Only applications listed in the repository should be enabled on these systems, with non-discriminatory treatment of authorised services.

OEMs and operating system providers would be required to immediately remove or disable applications operating without the necessary authorisation. They would also have to act when directed by the government or a competent authority, or when an application's authorisation has been suspended, revoked or otherwise rendered invalid.

The regulator has further recommended that these entities submit annual compliance reports to MIB.

These obligations could have implications for smart TV ecosystems in which FAST applications are pre-installed, integrated into operating systems or made available through application stores. The proposals seek to ensure that access to linear television channels through connected devices is linked to a verifiable authorisation framework.

Application providers, meanwhile, would be required to distribute only channels that have obtained the necessary government permission, broadcasting authorisation or registration. Any channel operating without the required approval would have to be removed immediately.

Internet-native channels to require separate registration

In a significant provision for content owners seeking to launch channels exclusively for internet-based distribution, TRAI has recommended a separate registration category for “Internet-native linear television channels”.

These channels would be curated specifically for ALTD applications and classified under the non-news and current affairs category. Their content owners would need to obtain registration from MIB and enter into a distribution agreement with an Indian company for application-related and compliance purposes.

The proposed registration would be valid for 10 years, subject to a one-time processing fee of ₹10,000 and an annual registration fee of ₹1 lakh per channel. Renewal for a further 10 years would attract a fee of ₹10,000.

Registered channels would have to comply with the applicable Programme Code and Advertising Code, along with other conditions prescribed by the government.

For existing broadcasters, TRAI has recommended that channels permitted for downlinking in India or authorised for satellite or terrestrial broadcasting be distributed through ALTD applications only after the relevant interconnection agreements are in place. Broadcasters would provide their channel feeds to authorised application providers.

The recommendations also seek to establish a clearer distinction between authorised linear television distribution and internet-based content offerings that have not been approved under the existing broadcasting framework.

Consumer grievance redressal and compliance reporting

TRAI has recommended that the application provider serve as the primary point of contact for resolving consumer complaints relating to ALTD services.

Application providers would have to prominently display the contact details of grievance redressal officers based in India on their applications, websites or other suitable interfaces, enabling consumers to raise complaints and access assistance.

The framework also envisages periodic compliance reporting to MIB. Application providers would be required to submit half-yearly compliance reports, while OEMs and operating system providers would submit annual reports.

The regulator has sought to address concerns around the availability of television channels on platforms where responsibility for content monitoring, complaint handling and compliance may currently be divided between Indian device distributors, overseas platform operators and third-party aggregators.

TRAI's recommendations acknowledge that application-based distribution relies on existing internet connectivity rather than dedicated broadcasting infrastructure. Consequently, the regulator has favoured a relatively light-touch framework that imposes accountability requirements without replicating the infrastructure-related obligations applicable to traditional platforms.

The regulator has also indicated that issues relating to quality of service, tariff regulation and interconnection would require separate consideration after the authorisation framework is finalised and notified by the Central government.

Television ratings to include ALTD viewership

TRAI has recommended integrating viewership of television channels distributed through ALTD applications into the existing television audience measurement framework.

The regulator has proposed that viewership through these applications be appropriately accounted for when determining channel ratings, enabling a more comprehensive assessment of television consumption across distribution platforms.

The methodology for capturing and reporting viewership data would be developed by registered rating agencies in accordance with the rules, guidelines and regulations issued by MIB and TRAI, once the authorisation framework is finalised by the ministry.

The recommendation comes as television consumption increasingly extends beyond conventional cable and direct-to-home connections to connected televisions and other internet-enabled devices.

According to the TRAI document, India had more than 193 million television households in 2025, including cable, DTH, HITS, free television and connected television households. The document also cites an industry estimate of more than 129 million connected TV users in 2025 and projections that the user base of FAST services could grow from around 116 million in 2023 to nearly 149 million by 2027.

The FICCI-EY media and entertainment report cited by TRAI estimates that India's television broadcasting sector generated revenue of ₹61,700 crore in 2025.

The expansion of internet-based television distribution has raised questions about how audiences are measured when the same linear channel is available across conventional distribution networks and application-based services.

TRAI's recommendation seeks to ensure that consumption through ALTD applications is not overlooked in the measurement of television channel viewership. However, the methodology and implementation details would depend on the subsequent regulatory framework and the work of registered rating agencies.

Government to frame final rules

The recommendations now provide a proposed regulatory structure for MIB to consider, including authorisation conditions, fees, channel registration, compliance requirements and audience measurement.

TRAI has recommended that the authorisation terms and conditions be notified as rules under Section 56 of the Telecommunications Act, 2023. It has also proposed that the Central government facilitate applications for authorisation, channel registration and compliance reporting through an online portal.

The recommendations are not, by themselves, a notification bringing the framework into force. The final regulatory requirements will depend on the government's subsequent decisions and the rules it notifies.

For traditional distribution operators, the proposed framework addresses long-standing concerns that internet-based services distributing linear television channels have been operating without obligations comparable to those imposed on established distribution platforms.

For application providers and connected-device ecosystems, the recommendations would establish a formal authorisation and compliance regime while keeping the proposed entry costs relatively modest.

The central regulatory question is how the government implements the framework while maintaining a distinction between the distribution of scheduled television channels and other forms of internet-based video consumption. TRAI's recommendations seek to make the function of distributing linear television channels, rather than the underlying delivery technology, the basis for regulatory oversight.