The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), on September 2, 2026, published the draft Telecommunications (Television, Radio and Associated Services) Rules, 2026 under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, with the objective of consolidating and simplifying the regulatory framework governing television, radio and associated broadcasting services.
The draft Rules integrate existing guidelines relating to satellite television uplinking/downlinking, Direct-to-Home (DTH), Headend-in-the-Sky (HITS), private FM radio, Community Radio and Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) into a unified framework. They apply to persons seeking or holding the specified authorisations and provide that the authorisation terms and conditions will comprise the relevant chapters and schedules. The Rules also provide for digital implementation through one or more Central Government-notified portals.
The draft Rules have been issed for further public consultation, with comments/suggestions invited by October 2, 2026. They will come into force on a date to be specified separately by the Central Government. The framework is primarily intended to harmonise the existing regime and facilitate ease of doing business in the television and radio broadcasting sector.
[G.S.R. 773(E)]
