The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on April 06, 2026, released Consultation Paper on Formulation of a Regulatory Framework for Application-based Linear Television distribution (ALTD) Services (Including Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST) Services).
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released a consultation paper on developing a regulatory framework for Application-based Linear Television Distribution (ALTD) Services, including Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST) services. This follows a reference from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) dated December 15, 2025, under the TRAI Act, 1997.
ALTD services refer to platforms that deliver linear TV channels via applications—whether pre-installed on devices, downloadable apps, or web-based platforms. The move aims to address the evolving broadcasting landscape by ensuring regulatory parity, content accountability, and consumer protection across such digital TV distribution services.
The consultation paper seeks stakeholder inputs on authorization norms, service conditions, and obligations for broadcasters, content providers, and aggregators operating on ALTD platforms. Comments and counter-comments have been invited by May 4, 2026, and May 18, 2026, respectively.
Link for the Consultation Paper - https://www.trai.gov.in/sites/default/files/202604/CP_06042026.pdf
[Press Release No. 48/2026]
