TRAI Proposes Regulatory Framework for Live TV Streaming Apps

In a significant move to modernize the nation’s broadcasting landscape, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has proposed a mandatory government authorisation framework for platforms that distribute live television channels via the internet. The recommendations, released on Monday, target Application-based Linear Television Distribution (ALTD) services—apps that allow users to stream scheduled TV content on smart TVs, mobile devices, and web browsers.

Ensuring Orderly Growth in Digital Broadcasting

The proposal stems from a request by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting late last year, which sought guidance on regulating the rapidly expanding segment of Free Ad-supported Streaming TV (FAST) services. As traditional broadcasting converges with digital delivery, the regulator aimed to create a level playing field that ensures security, consumer protection, and transparency.

According to the new guidelines, any entity looking to operate an ALTD service must obtain official authorisation. To streamline this process, TRAI has suggested a “light-touch” approach to minimize bureaucratic hurdles while maintaining regulatory oversight. The regulator has proposed a one-time entry fee of ₹1 lakh, coupled with a nominal application processing fee of ₹10,000. These authorisations would remain valid for an initial period of 20 years, providing industry players with long-term stability and regulatory clarity.

Roles and Responsibilities for Stakeholders

The scope of these recommendations is broad, encompassing not only the streaming apps themselves but also the wider ecosystem that facilitates their use. TRAI has mandated that Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and Operating System (OS) providers must ensure that only platforms with valid government authorisation are available on their devices. This move is designed to curb the proliferation of unauthorized or illegal streaming services that often bypass quality and content standards.

“The recommendations aim to facilitate the orderly growth of internet-based linear television distribution services by providing an enabling authorisation framework,” the Ministry of Communications stated in a recent press release. By bringing these services under an official umbrella, the government seeks to ensure that they adhere to the same consumer protection standards currently applied to traditional cable and DTH providers.

Integrating ALTD into Audience Measurement

One of the most consequential aspects of the proposed framework is the integration of ALTD viewership into the formal television audience measurement system. Currently, data for digital streaming often operates in silos, separate from the traditional BARC (Broadcast Audience Research Council) metrics. By formalizing these apps, the regulator aims to provide broadcasters and advertisers with a more accurate picture of total reach across both traditional and digital mediums.

This regulatory pivot marks a crucial step in the evolution of India’s media sector. As more viewers shift from cable connections to app-based linear TV, the government’s move to institutionalize these services signals a transition toward a unified regulatory regime. Industry stakeholders are expected to review these guidelines as the ministry moves toward finalizing the implementation protocols for the new digital broadcasting era.

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