Download the Documents
- Download the TRAI consultation paper here: Formulation of a Regulatory Framework for Application-based Linear Television Distribution (ALTD) Services (Including Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST) Services) – [PDF]
- MIB’s letter to TRAI – [PDF]
- Letters from the All India Digital Cable Federation (AIDCF), Cloud TV (OS), and Xiaomi India to the MIB – [PDF]
What certification mechanism should be in place to ensure that TV manufacturers and operating system providers allow only MIB-authorised ALTD service apps, whether pre-installed on television sets or available for download through app stores and web platforms?
This question forms part of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)’s latest consultation paper seeking stakeholder comments on regulating Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST) services across smart TVs, mobile phones, tablets, and web browsers.
Stakeholders can submit their feedback by May 4, 2026 at [email protected] and [email protected]
What Are ALTD & FAST Services?
Application-based Linear Television Distribution (ALTD) services refer to platforms that stream live, scheduled television channels over the internet through applications. These include linear live TV channels delivered free of cost via apps on smart TVs, mobile phones, tablets, or web browsers. In this business model, advertising typically generates all revenue, as the service generally does not require a subscription fee.
Definitions by International Regulators
- United Kingdom (Ofcom): “…linear channels that viewers access to watch TV shows, films, and other content without paying a subscription fee. These channels generate revenue through advertising.’
- Canada (CRTC): “… Connected TV video platforms that are typically free to watch, are advertising-supported, and provide linear channels and on-demand programming together.”
- Australia (ACMA): “…subscription-free streaming services that play live video content continuously like a traditional TV channel, but it is delivered via the internet. Some services may also offer advertising-based video on demand content.”
How TRAI defines FAST services: “…largely free and ad-supported services that offer television channels over the internet using an ‘application platform’.” In some cases, value-added services in the form of on-demand content are also included.
India ranks fourth globally in FAST service revenue after the United States, China, and Japan. According to a report by Muvi cited in the TRAI paper, India had 116.4 million FAST service users in 2023, a number expected to reach 148.6 million by 2027.
Why Does TRAI Want to Regulate FAST Apps? Cable operators and DTH providers are MIB-licensed, fee-paying entities that must follow content codes and are monitored by regulators. FAST platforms, however, deliver the same live TV channels to consumers without these obligations, industry bodies argued in their submissions.
Regulatory Gaps Identified by TRAI:
The MSO (Multi-System Operator) association complained to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), arguing that FAST services create an uneven playing field and may violate the Uplinking and Downlinking of Television Channels in India, 2022, which requires MIB permission for TV channels before public viewing.
Key findings include:
- No licensing or registration framework currently exists for FAST/ALTD platforms.
- Lack of a single responsible entity: TV manufacturers, operating system providers, app platforms, overseas entities, and content aggregators all play roles, making accountability unclear.
- Carriage of non-permitted channels: One stakeholder admitted that its platform carries both permitted and non-permitted channels. This provider, which bundles FAST apps with its OS, offers over 140 channels on its TV sets.
- Influence of overseas entities: Foreign entities determine channel availability, content standards, and user experience for Indian audiences.
- Tariff violations: Paid channels available on MIB-licensed platforms are offered free on FAST platforms, potentially violating TRAI’s Tariff Order, 2017, as highlighted by the MSO association.
- No content recording or archiving is maintained by most platforms.
- Lack of standardised audience measurement, unlike regulated distribution platforms measured by BARC.
What’s at Stake:
- Market distortion: TRAI notes that this regulatory arbitrage “is likely to topple the competitive balance in the industry towards such free of cost service providers”
- Content accountability: Platforms may distribute TV channels without MIB permission or regulatory oversight.
- Consumer protection: There is no clear grievance redressal mechanism; consumers often do not know whether to approach the TV brand, the app provider, the content aggregator, or another entity.
- Tariff parity: Paid channels being offered free on FAST platforms undermine TRAI’s Tariff Order, 2017.
What Is TRAI Proposing?:
Italy’s authorisation model: TRAI cites Italy’s communications regulator AGCOM, which issued its first two authorisations for FAST channels on March 19, 2025. Under this model, each FAST channel must obtain authorisation based on its individual programming schedule.
Key Proposals Under Consultation
- Certification Requirement: Only MIB-authorised apps should be pre-installed or made available for download by TV manufacturers and OS providers.
- Price Parity: Paid channels should not be offered free on ALTD platforms.
- Primary Responsibility: The app provider should be designated as the primary entity responsible for obtaining the required authorisation.
- Grievance Redressal: Clear consumer grievance mechanisms should be established for ALTD platforms.
Key Questions for Stakeholders
TRAI has sought stakeholder feedback on several issues, including:
- How should India define ALTD/FAST services?
- Should the app provider be responsible for obtaining the licence? If so, what should the fees and eligibility conditions be?
- What special rules should apply to foreign entities offering these services in India?
- How can it be ensured that ALTD platforms carry only MIB-permitted channels, and what penalties should apply for violations?
- How should price parity be enforced to prevent pay channels from being offered free?
- Should broadcasters obtain separate MIB authorisation before supplying channels to ALTD platforms?
- If ALTD platforms begin charging subscription fees in the future, how should tariff, interconnection, and quality of service rules apply?
- Should there be separate regulations for on-demand or catch-up content offered alongside live TV?
- How should revenue sharing between platforms and broadcasters be structured?
- What grievance redressal obligations should apply across smart TVs, websites, and mobile apps?
What happens next? Stakeholders can submit their responses to:
Deadlines:
- For comments: May 4, 2026, and
- For counter-comments: May 18, 2026.
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