India’s Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has recommended a formal authorisation framework for Application-based Linear Television Distribution (ALTD) services, including Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST) apps. The proposal aims to bring internet-based services that distribute scheduled television channels under a dedicated regulatory framework similar to the one governing traditional television distribution.
The recommendations could affect smart-TV platforms and internet-based television services that offer live, scheduled channels free to viewers in exchange for advertising. Under the proposed system, application providers would need government authorisation, while television manufacturers and operating-system providers would have responsibilities for ensuring that only authorised apps are available on their devices and app stores. The recommendations were released on October 26, 2026, and still require government action before the proposed framework can take effect.
Key Takeaways
- Licensing proposal: TRAI has recommended mandatory government authorisation for covered internet-based linear TV apps.
- Entry fee: The proposal includes a one-time fee of ₹1 lakh and an application processing fee of ₹10,000.
- Long validity: Authorisation would last 20 years initially and could be renewed for successive 10-year periods.
- Smart-TV restrictions: Manufacturers and operating-system providers would be expected to make only authorised apps available.
- Consumer protection: App providers would be responsible for compliance and handling consumer grievances.
- Not yet implemented: The recommendations must be acted upon by the government before the proposed requirements become operational.
- No proposed subscription fee: The recommendations do not require viewers to pay a subscription simply because an app is covered by the framework.
What Is TRAI Proposing for Free Streaming TV Apps?
TRAI wants to establish a regulatory category called Application-based Linear Television Distribution, or ALTD, under the television channel distribution framework associated with the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
The category covers applications and services that aggregate and distribute scheduled television channels through the internet or other internet protocol-based networks. These services can be pre-installed on smart TVs, downloaded from app stores, installed on connected devices or accessed through web browsers.
The proposal follows a request from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting dated December 15, 2025. The ministry asked TRAI to examine a framework for FAST services that would address regulatory parity, content accountability and consumer protection.
TRAI published a consultation paper in April 2026 and received 207 comments and 11 counter-comments. It subsequently held an open-house discussion with stakeholders in June before issuing its recommendations.
According to the official government announcement, the regulator has now recommended a dedicated authorisation system for these services.
Which Apps and Platforms Could Be Affected?
The proposal focuses on applications that aggregate and distribute scheduled television channels rather than services that primarily let viewers select individual films or episodes whenever they want.
| Service or platform type | Proposed treatment |
|---|---|
| Free ad-supported smart-TV channels | Covered if they meet the ALTD definition |
| Apps aggregating scheduled TV channels | Would require authorisation |
| Web-based services distributing linear TV channels | Could fall within the framework |
| Broadcaster-owned platforms carrying only their own channels or those of their holding or subsidiary companies | Excluded under the proposed framework |
| Live streams on social media intermediaries | Excluded |
| On-demand streaming services such as Netflix | Not covered merely because they stream video; the framework targets linear TV distribution |
Examples of the FAST category include services such as Samsung TV Plus and LG Channels, which provide scheduled channels over internet-connected televisions. Whether a particular service is covered would depend on its operating model and the final rules.
The distinction between linear and on-demand television is important. Linear services schedule programming into channels, much like conventional television. On-demand services generally let viewers select specific programmes to watch at a time of their choosing.
The proposal should therefore not be interpreted as a blanket licensing requirement for every video-streaming app in India.
Proposed Licence Fees and Validity Period
TRAI has recommended a relatively light-touch financial structure compared with more infrastructure-intensive television distribution services.
| Requirement | Proposed terms |
|---|---|
| Application processing fee | ₹10,000 |
| One-time entry fee | ₹1,00,000 |
| Initial authorisation validity | 20 years |
| Renewal period | Successive periods of 10 years |
| Recurring authorisation fee | None proposed |
| Bank guarantee | Not required |
| Security deposit | Not required |
| Service area | Nationwide |
The proposed framework would place the main authorisation responsibility on the application provider. Applications, channel registrations and reporting would be handled through an online portal.
The absence of a recurring authorisation fee, bank guarantee and security deposit suggests that TRAI is seeking to formalise the sector without imposing the same financial burden associated with more infrastructure-heavy distribution businesses.
The one-time entry fee and processing charge would nevertheless create a new compliance cost for operators that currently provide covered services without this dedicated authorisation.
Smart-TV Manufacturers May Face New Responsibilities
One of the most significant elements of the recommendations concerns television manufacturers and operating-system providers.
TRAI has recommended that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting maintain a central Master ALTD App Repository containing authorised applications. Original equipment manufacturers, including smart-TV manufacturers, and operating-system providers would be expected to ensure that only authorised ALTD applications are available through their devices and app stores.
They would also need to submit annual compliance reports to the ministry in the prescribed format.
This could change how certain applications are distributed and maintained on connected televisions. If a covered app lacks authorisation or its status becomes invalid, the proposed framework could require the app to be removed or disabled under the final rules.
For manufacturers, the challenge would be to verify an application’s regulatory status and keep their app catalogues aligned with the government’s repository. App developers would need to secure the necessary authorisation to maintain distribution through those channels.
The precise implementation details will depend on the final rules adopted by the government.
Why Does TRAI Want to Regulate FAST Apps?
The central argument is regulatory parity.
Traditional cable television, direct-to-home (DTH) services and other forms of television distribution operate under established regulatory requirements. Internet-based applications can distribute scheduled channels through a different delivery method, even when the content is similar.
Traditional operators have argued that these differences create an uneven regulatory environment. From their perspective, comparable television distribution services should face comparable obligations around authorised channels, accountability and consumer protection.
Digital platforms, however, have argued that internet-based services operate differently from conventional television distribution and should not be subjected to unnecessarily burdensome rules.
TRAI’s recommendations attempt to establish a separate framework that recognises the application-based nature of FAST services while requiring authorisation and compliance.
The disagreement is not simply about licensing fees. It also concerns how far television regulation should extend into software applications and internet distribution.
What Could Change for Viewers?
For viewers, the proposal does not introduce a direct subscription charge for currently free services. FAST apps are generally supported by advertising, and TRAI has not recommended a mandatory consumer subscription fee.
The more immediate potential changes concern which applications are available on smart TVs and how complaints are handled.
If the framework is implemented, users could see a more formal process for identifying authorised apps. Application providers would be the primary point of contact for consumer grievances relating to their services.
TRAI has also recommended integrating viewership of channels distributed through ALTD applications into the national television audience measurement framework. This could help improve measurement of audiences watching linear channels through internet-connected devices.
Whether the new compliance costs affect advertising models, the number of available apps or the free viewing experience remains uncertain. Providers may absorb the costs, adjust their operations or change their distribution strategies. The recommendations do not establish that viewers will necessarily face higher prices.
The Bigger Picture
TRAI’s proposal signals an effort to bring internet-based linear television into India’s broader broadcasting regulatory system. As smart TVs and connected applications become more important distribution channels, regulators are seeking ways to apply rules consistently while accounting for differences between internet platforms and conventional television networks.
The outcome could influence how FAST services enter the Indian market, how smart-TV manufacturers manage their application stores and how television audiences are measured. At the same time, the final framework will need to avoid creating unnecessary barriers for smaller developers and services that offer free, advertising-supported content.
FAQs
1. Has TRAI made licences mandatory for all free streaming apps?
No. TRAI has recommended authorisation for covered application-based linear television distribution services. The proposal does not automatically cover every video-streaming or on-demand app.
2. How much would a FAST app licence cost?
The proposed framework includes a one-time entry fee of ₹1 lakh and an application processing fee of ₹10,000. It does not propose a recurring authorisation fee, bank guarantee or security deposit.
3. Will viewers have to pay for currently free smart-TV apps?
The recommendations do not introduce a mandatory consumer subscription fee. Whether individual providers change their commercial models after implementation remains uncertain.
4. Will smart-TV manufacturers have to remove unauthorised apps?
Under TRAI’s recommendations, manufacturers and operating-system providers would be expected to make only authorised ALTD apps available through their devices and app stores. The exact requirements depend on the final rules.
5. When will the proposed licensing rules take effect?
The recommendations were released on October 26, 2026. They are not themselves the final operational rules; the government must take further action to establish the proposed authorisation framework.
Looking Ahead
The next step is for the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the government to consider TRAI’s recommendations and determine how the framework should be implemented. The final rules will clarify authorisation procedures, channel registration, compliance responsibilities and how the central app repository will operate.
For FAST platforms and smart-TV manufacturers, the priority will be to understand whether their services fall within the ALTD definition and prepare for potential authorisation requirements. For viewers, the key question is whether the framework can improve accountability and transparency without reducing access to free, advertising-supported television.
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