India TV regulation could expand to cover apps that distribute scheduled television channels over the internet under recommendations released by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on October 26, 2026. The regulator proposed a national authorisation with an initial 20-year term and a one-time entry fee of ₹1 lakh. The measures are recommendations, not enacted rules, and no effective date has been confirmed.
Key Takeaways
- Application providers would be primarily responsible for obtaining authorisation and handling consumer complaints.
- Device makers and operating system providers would need to make only authorised apps available and report compliance annually.
- Broadcaster-owned platforms carrying only their own or related companies’ channels and social media live streams would be excluded.
India TV regulation would add an app-based category
TRAI proposed making application-based linear television distribution, or ALTD, a distinct subcategory of television channel distribution services under the broadcasting authorisation framework. The source does not specify an existing authorisation rule for these services.
The proposed definition covers the aggregation of government-approved linear channels, including internet-native linear channels with approved names and logos. It also covers distribution of an app provider’s own platform service channels, with or without services such as on-demand video.
The framework would apply to applications developed, deployed and managed for users in India. Authorised providers could distribute only channels with valid central government permission, authorisation or registration.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Initial authorisation | 20 years, with successive 10-year renewals proposed |
| One-time entry fee | ₹1 lakh |
| Application processing fee | ₹10,000 |
| Other proposed charges | No authorisation fee, bank guarantee or security deposit |
Proposed fees and responsibilities
The proposed authorisation would cover India nationally and could be renewed for successive 10-year periods after its initial term. TRAI recommended a ₹10,000 application processing fee and no authorisation fee, bank guarantee or security deposit.
TRAI also recommended that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting maintain a master repository of ALTD apps. Television manufacturers and operating system providers would be responsible for ensuring that only authorised apps are available through their devices and app stores.
Consultation and audience measurement
The recommendations followed a December 2025 request from the ministry to examine rules for free ad-supported streaming television. TRAI issued a consultation paper in April 2026, received 207 comments and 11 counter-comments, and held an open house in June.
TRAI also recommended including viewership through ALTD apps in television audience measurement. Authorised providers could publish anonymised periodic viewership data in line with the TV Ratings Policy, 2026.
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