TRAI recommends a licensing framework for app-based TV streaming services

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on 26 October 2026 issued its Recommendations on an 'Authorisation Framework for Application-based Linear Television Distribution (ALTD) Services', acting on a reference from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting under Section 11(1)(a) of the TRAI Act, 1997. The recommendations respond to the growth of apps and smart-TV platforms, including Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST) services, that aggregate and distribute linear television channels over the internet. TRAI has recommended that 'ALTD Service' be introduced as a distinct sub-category of 'Television Channel Distribution Services' under the broadcasting authorisation framework in Section 3(1)(a) of the Telecommunications Act, 2023, with its detailed terms and conditions to be notified as Rules under Section 56 of that Act. The entity offering the app or platform would be responsible for obtaining authorisation, under a light-touch regime: a national service area, an initial authorisation valid for 20 years and renewable for successive 10-year terms, a processing fee of ₹10,000 and a one-time entry fee of ₹1 lakh, with no bank guarantee or security deposit required.

The recommendations also place obligations on device makers, operating-system providers and broadcasters, and require ALTD viewership to be folded into television audience measurement. The framework excludes broadcasters' own apps carrying only their own channels and live streams on social-media platforms. The government will now decide whether to accept the recommendations and notify Rules.