New Delhi 2026 : The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on Monday released recommendations proposing a light-touch regulatory framework for Application-based Linear Television Distribution (ALTD) Services, including Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST) platforms.
The recommendations follow a request from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) in December 2025 seeking TRAI’s views on developing a regulatory framework for FAST services. The proposed framework aims to ensure a level playing field, strengthen content accountability and protect consumers amid rapid changes in the broadcasting sector.
“The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has today released Recommendations on ‘Authorisation Framework for Application-based Linear Television Distribution (ALTD) Services’,” the Ministry of Communications said.
TRAI observed that an increasing number of applications are aggregating and distributing scheduled linear television channels through connected TVs, smart TVs, mobile applications and web-based platforms. These services offer viewers a conventional television-like experience over internet networks.
Given the expanding range of such platforms, TRAI has broadly categorised them as Application-based Linear Television Distribution Services, a category that also covers FAST channels.
The regulator finalised its recommendations following an extensive consultation process initiated in April 2026. The exercise received 207 comments from stakeholders and 11 counter-comments. TRAI also held an Open House Discussion in June to gather further views before framing its proposals.
The recommendations seek to balance innovation and consumer safeguards while providing greater regulatory clarity for internet-based television distribution services.
Under the proposed framework, ALTD Services would be introduced as a distinct sub-category under “Television Channel Distribution Services” within the broadcasting authorisation framework established under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
TRAI has defined ALTD Services as the aggregation and distribution of government-approved linear television channels, including internet-native linear channels and platform service channels. Such services may be delivered through applications, websites or similar interfaces on internet-enabled devices.
The proposed framework would cover the development, deployment and management of these services for users in India.
However, certain services would remain outside its scope. These include broadcaster-owned platforms that distribute only their own channels or those belonging to group companies. Live streams hosted on social media platforms would also be excluded.
The recommendations mark a proposed regulatory approach to the evolving internet-based television ecosystem, particularly as FAST services expand alongside traditional broadcasting and streaming platforms.
