The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has recommended a formal authorisation framework for Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST) platforms, seeking to bring internet-based distribution of linear television channels under a regulatory regime similar to that governing traditional TV distribution.
In its recommendations dated October 26, TRAI has proposed classifying these services under Application-based Linear Television Distribution (ALTD) Services. The framework would cover platforms distributing linear TV channels through applications, websites and similar interfaces, irrespective of their business models or the devices used to access them.
Addressed to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), the recommendations aim to address regulatory gaps in the distribution of television channels through internet-connected devices, including smart TVs. TRAI has cited the need for regulatory parity, content accountability and consumer protection as viewing increasingly shifts towards connected television and internet-based platforms.
Under the proposed framework, application providers seeking to offer ALTD services in India would need authorisation from the Central Government under the Television Channel Distribution Services category.
The authorisation would be valid for 20 years, with subsequent renewals for 10-year periods. TRAI has proposed a processing fee of Rs 10,000 and a non-refundable entry fee of Rs 1 lakh, alongside a renewal fee of Rs 10,000.
The recommendations come amid the expansion of connected TV and FAST services in India. Citing industry estimates, TRAI noted that India's connected TV audience exceeded 129 million users in 2025. The FAST user base is projected to increase from approximately 116 million in 2023 to nearly 149 million by 2027.
Platform authorisation and channel compliance
A central element of the proposed framework is the requirement for ALTD platforms to distribute only television channels that hold the necessary government permission, authorisation or registration.
TRAI has recommended that the MIB maintain a master repository of authorised ALTD applications, listing their names for verification by television manufacturers and operating system providers. These entities would be expected to enable applications listed in the repository on a non-discriminatory basis.
Applications operating without the required authorisation, or whose authorisation has been suspended, revoked or invalidated, would have to be removed or disabled immediately. Manufacturers and operating system providers would also be required to submit annual compliance reports to the ministry, while application providers would submit compliance reports every six months.
The framework would also introduce registration requirements for internet-native linear television channels created specifically for distribution through ALTD applications. Content owners would need to register these channels with the MIB, and the channels would be classified under the non-news and current affairs category.
Such channels would have to comply with the applicable Programme Code and Advertising Code. TRAI has proposed a one-time processing fee of Rs 10,000 per channel, with registration valid for 10 years. An annual registration fee of Rs 1 lakh per channel would apply, while renewal for another 10 years would attract a fee of Rs 10,000.
Broadcasters whose channels are already permitted for distribution in India would also need to enter into interconnection agreements with authorised ALTD providers and supply their channel feeds only to such platforms.
However, the proposed framework would exclude applications or websites operated by broadcasters that distribute only their own channels or those of their corporate group. Live streams distributed through social media intermediaries would also remain outside its scope.
Grievance redressal and television ratings
The recommendations propose making authorised ALTD application providers the primary point of contact for consumer complaints relating to their services.
Platforms would be required to appoint grievance redressal officers based in India and prominently display their contact details on their applications or websites. The mechanism would cover complaints concerning channel availability, service interruptions, application malfunctions, electronic programme guide errors, inappropriate content and misleading advertisements.
TRAI has also addressed the impact of internet-based television distribution on audience measurement and channel ratings.
It has recommended integrating viewership of television channels distributed through ALTD applications into the existing television audience measurement framework, with such viewership accounted for in channel ratings.
Registered television rating agencies would be responsible for developing the methodology to capture and report this viewership, in accordance with rules and guidelines issued by the MIB and TRAI after the proposed authorisation framework is finalised.
ALTD providers may also be permitted to publish anonymised, periodic viewership data for channels distributed through their applications and websites without separate registration or permission, subject to the Television Ratings Policy, 2026.
TRAI seeks to address regulatory differences
The recommendations follow a reference from the MIB dated December 15, 2025, asking TRAI to examine the need for a regulatory framework for FAST services.
The ministry's reference cited concerns from industry stakeholders, including the All India Digital Cable Federation, regarding the growth of platforms offering television channels through pre-installed or downloadable applications without a comparable licensing or registration framework.
Traditional television distribution platforms, including multi-system operators, direct-to-home operators, headend-in-the-sky services and internet protocol television providers, operate under defined regulatory obligations. Stakeholders argued that FAST platforms perform similar distribution functions without equivalent oversight, creating an uneven competitive environment.
Concerns were also raised over the availability of pay television channels on FAST platforms without subscription charges, which stakeholders argued could conflict with the existing tariff framework.
During its consultation process, TRAI received 207 comments and 11 counter-comments from industry associations, broadcasters, platform providers, technology companies, consumer advocacy groups and individuals. An open house discussion was held on June 10, 2026.
The authority noted that FAST services are no longer limited to free, advertising-supported applications pre-installed on television sets. They are also accessible through downloadable applications, operating system interfaces, mobile devices and web browsers. Their business models may also evolve to include subscriptions and hybrid monetisation.
TRAI has therefore proposed the broader ALTD classification, arguing that the defining feature of these services is the distribution of linear television channels over internet protocol networks, rather than the devices used to access them or the business models through which they operate.
The recommendations seek to establish a common regulatory framework for this expanding segment of television distribution, with the proposed authorisation, compliance and consumer protection requirements intended to bring internet-based linear TV services closer to the regulatory structure governing traditional distribution platforms.
