The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has recently released new recommendations to regulate application-based television services that stream regular TV channels over the internet. The proposed framework covers Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST) services and other apps that offer scheduled television channels on smart TVs, mobile phones and websites. Aside from that, TRAI has also proposed rules for application providers, device manufacturers and operating system providers, along with measures to handle complaints and improve transparency in television viewership measurement across platforms. Here is everything you should know about Application-based Linear Television Distribution (ALTD) in five points.
TRAI has suggested the implementation of ALTD services as a different subcategory of Television Channel Distribution Services. This subcategory will come under section 3(1)(a) of the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
The ALTD services comprise those applications that allow combining the television channels that are scheduled and make them available on the internet. They can be accessed through smart TVs, mobile applications, websites and any other internet-connected device. It also includes the FAST platform that provides free television services funded by advertisements.
As per TRAI, these services provide a viewing experience comparable to the conventional television distribution services like cable TV and DTH. The proposed framework aims to provide clear rules for internet-based television distribution while allowing the sector to grow.
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Under the recommendations, the application provider would be primarily responsible for obtaining authorisation to offer an ALTD service and following the applicable rules.
TRAI has proposed a light-touch framework with a national service area. The authorisation would initially remain valid for 20 years and could be renewed for further periods of 10 years.
The proposed application processing fee is Rs 10,000, while the one-time entry fee would be Rs 1 lakh. TRAI has recommended no separate authorisation fee, bank guarantee or security deposit.
The regulator has also suggested that the terms and conditions should be notified as rules under Section 56 of the Telecommunications Act, 2023. Applications for authorisation, channel registration and reporting would be handled through an online portal.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) recommends a set of responsibilities for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), including television manufacturers, and operating system providers to regulate authorised applications for linear television (ALTD).
Under the recommendations, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) should maintain a central repository of authorised ALTD applications. Device manufacturers and operating system providers would be required to ensure that only authorised ALTD apps are made available on their devices and through their app stores. They would also need to submit an annual compliance report to the ministry in the prescribed format.
The recommendations further state that ALTD service providers should distribute only television channels that hold valid permission, authorisation or registration from the Central Government. TRAI has also proposed a separate registration process for internet-native linear television channels, subject to prescribed requirements.
The proposed framework also addresses consumer complaints and television audience measurement. Under the recommendations, the ALTD application provider should act as the main contact for consumer complaints and grievance redressal related to its service. This would give viewers a clear point of contact when they face problems while using a live TV streaming app.
TRAI has also recommended including viewership of television channels distributed through ALTD applications in the television audience measurement framework.
Authorised ALTD application providers should be allowed to publish anonymised viewership data periodically, in line with the TV Ratings Policy, 2026.
However, the proposed scope has certain exclusions. It does not cover broadcaster-owned platforms that distribute only their own channels or channels owned by their parent or subsidiary companies. Live streams on social media platforms are also excluded from the proposed definition.
TRAI has recently released a press release where it had finalised the recommendations after reviewing comments and counter-comments from stakeholders, feedback gathered during an Open House Discussion, and its own analysis.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had referred the matter to TRAI on December 15, 2025, asking it to examine a regulatory framework for FAST services. TRAI subsequently released a consultation paper on April 6, 2026, seeking views on the proposed rules. The consultation received 207 comments and 11 counter-comments, while an Open House Discussion was held on June 10, 2026.
TRAI said the recommendations aim to support the orderly growth of internet-based live television distribution while promoting innovation, ease of doing business, consumer protection and regulatory certainty.
The recommendations have been published on TRAI’s official website. They set out the regulator’s proposed framework, but the press release does not announce that the rules have already come into force. The next steps will depend on the government’s consideration of the recommendations and the process for introducing the proposed rules.