The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released a consultation paper on the formulation of a regulatory framework for Application-based Linear Television Distribution (ALTD) services, including Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST) services.
The move has come following a reference from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), dated December 15, 2025, under Section 11(1)(a) of the TRAI Act, 1997. The reference has sought recommendations to ensure regulatory parity, content accountability, and consumer protection amid the evolving broadcasting ecosystem.
ALTD services have been defined as applications that distribute linear TV channels to users through pre-installed apps on TV sets and devices, downloadable applications on mobile or smart TVs, or web-based platforms accessible via browsers. These services have included FAST platforms, which deliver linear television channels supported by advertising.
The consultation paper has sought stakeholder inputs on the terms and conditions for authorisation and service provisioning for application providers offering ALTD services. It has also covered obligations applicable to broadcasters, content providers, and aggregators for the distribution of linear TV channels on such platforms.
TRAI has made the full consultation paper available on its official website and has invited written comments from stakeholders by May 4, 2026, and counter-comments by May 18, 2026. Submissions have been requested in electronic form via designated email addresses.
