TRAI Recommends ALTD Authorisation Framework for Streaming TV Services

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), on 26 October 2026, released recommendations for an Authorisation Framework for Application-based Linear Television Distribution (ALTD) Services, including Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST) services.

The proposed framework seeks to bring internet-based television distribution services under a defined regulatory structure. It recommends an authorisation system covering application providers, television manufacturers, operating-system providers and the distribution of approved television channels.

One important proposal is a 20-year authorisation with a Rs 10,000 application processing fee and a one-time entry fee of Rs 1 lakh.

However, these are TRAI's recommendations and not newly enforceable ALTD-specific licensing requirements. Formal government action would be required to implement the proposed framework. Businesses operating streaming television platforms should therefore examine the recommendations and monitor subsequent notifications.

TRAI Recommendations at a Glance

The recommendations seek to introduce ALTD as a distinct sub-category under Television Channel Distribution Services. Their objective is to address the regulatory treatment of scheduled television channels delivered through internet-connected devices.

The Regulatory Framework for ALTD Services

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting referred the matter to TRAI on 15 December 2025 under Section 11(1)(a) of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997.

The Ministry sought recommendations on a framework for FAST services, particularly concerning regulatory parity, content accountability and consumer protection.

Following this reference, TRAI issued a consultation paper on 6 April 2026. The consultation received 207 comments and 11 counter-comments, followed by an open-house discussion on 10 June 2026.

After reviewing stakeholder responses, TRAI recommended bringing ALTD Services under Section 3(1)(a) of the Telecommunications Act, 2023.

The proposed authorisation conditions are intended to work alongside TRAI's earlier recommendations on broadcasting service authorisations, issued on 21 February 2025.

TRAI has also recommended that the Central Government notify the relevant ALTD terms and conditions through rules under Section 56 of the Telecommunications Act, 2023.

Businesses examining the wider regulatory structure can refer to Corpseed's overview of the Draft Telecommunications (Television, Radio and Associated Services) Rules, 2026. Those draft rules and the ALTD recommendations are separate regulatory developments and should not be treated as interchangeable.

What Are ALTD and FAST Services?

Application-based Linear Television Distribution (ALTD) refers to services that aggregate and distribute scheduled television channels through internet-based applications, websites or similar interfaces.

Instead of relying exclusively on traditional cable or satellite distribution, these services deliver television channels over public internet or other Internet Protocol (IP)-based networks.

Viewers may access them through smart televisions, mobile phones, connected devices and web browsers.

How Are FAST Services Different from Other OTT Services?
FAST stands for Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television. These services offer scheduled television programmes at no subscription cost to viewers and generate revenue mainly through advertisements.

The principal difference concerns how content is delivered.

On-demand OTT platforms allow users to select programmes and watch them at their preferred time. Linear television services follow a scheduled programming format.

However, an ALTD platform may also offer on-demand content as a value-added service. Therefore, the presence of on-demand programming does not automatically place an otherwise qualifying ALTD service outside the recommended framework.

TRAI's proposed definition focuses on the aggregation and distribution of approved linear television channels.

Who Will Be Covered Under the Proposed ALTD Framework?

The proposed ALTD authorisation framework primarily concerns businesses developing, deploying and managing applications that distribute linear television channels to users in India.

The relevant stakeholders include:

• ALTD Application Providers: Businesses that bring scheduled television channels together and distribute them through apps, or websites.
• FAST Service Operators: Providers offering advertising-supported linear television channels through internet-connected platforms.
• Television Manufacturers and OEMs: Businesses that make devices on which ALTD applications may be available.
• Operating-system Providers: Entities responsible for operating systems and the related application stores.
• Broadcasters and Content Owners: Entities supplying television channels for distribution through ALTD platforms.

Services Excluded from the Proposed Scope
TRAI has recommended excluding:

1. Broadcaster-owned platforms distributing only the broadcaster's own channels or the channels of its subsidiary or holding company.
2. Live streams available through social media intermediaries.

These exclusions should be read according to their specific conditions. They do not mean that every broadcaster-owned application or internet-based streaming platform is automatically exempt from all applicable regulation.

What Has TRAI Recommended for ALTD Services?

The TRAI ALTD Authorisation Framework 2026 recommendations propose a distinct regulatory system for application-based linear television distribution.

Introduction of a Separate ALTD Authorisation Category
TRAI has recommended recognising ALTD as a sub-category of Television Channel Distribution Services.

This would provide a defined regulatory route for qualifying applications that distribute television channels through internet-based networks.

Online Authorisation and Reporting
TRAI has recommended enabling authorisation, channel registration and reporting processes through an online portal.

The proposal is intended to make regulatory administration suitable for application-based services rather than requiring an infrastructure-heavy approach.

Primary Responsibility of Application Providers
Under the proposed framework, the ALTD application provider would be responsible for obtaining authorisation, and complying with the applicable conditions.

This distinction is important because application providers, device manufacturers and broadcasters perform different functions within the television distribution system.

Proposed ALTD Authorisation: Validity, Fees and Conditions

TRAI has recommended a comparatively light-touch financial and administrative structure for qualifying ALTD service providers.

The principal proposed conditions are:

These amounts represent the proposed government fee structure. They do not include any separate professional consultancy charges that a business may choose to incur.

The absence of a proposed authorisation fee, bank guarantee and security deposit is intended to reflect the application-based and relatively infrastructure-light nature of ALTD Services.

However, the actual authorisation conditions, applicable payment requirements and filing procedures would depend on the framework formally adopted and notified by the Government.

Businesses should not treat the recommended fees as currently payable under a newly operational ALTD authorisation process.

Proposed Responsibilities of ALTD Providers, OEMs and OS Providers

The recommendations do not focus only on streaming application companies. They also address the roles of television manufacturers, operating-system providers and channel owners.

Responsibilities of ALTD Application Providers
Under the proposed framework, ALTD application providers would be primarily responsible for obtaining the relevant authorisation, and complying with its conditions.

They would also need to ensure that the television channels distributed through their platforms hold valid government permission, authorisation or registration.

Application providers are additionally recommended to act as the main point of contact for consumer complaints concerning ALTD Services.

Responsibilities of Television Manufacturers and OEMs
TRAI has proposed that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting maintain a Master ALTD app repository.

Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), including television manufacturers, would need to ensure that only authorised ALTD applications are made available through their devices.

This recommendation could affect the way connected television manufacturers review and make streaming applications available to customers.

Responsibilities of Operating-System Providers
Operating-system providers would similarly be expected to ensure that only authorised ALTD applications are available through relevant application stores.

TRAI has also recommended annual compliance reporting to MIB by OEMs and OS providers in a prescribed format.

These remain proposed responsibilities. The precise implementation arrangements would depend on the final government framework.

Registration of Internet-Native Linear Television Channels

Another important recommendation concerns internet-native linear television channels.

These channels are designed for internet-based distribution and may operate within applications providing scheduled television programming.

TRAI has recommended a simplified registration framework for such channels, alongside the existing system of permitted or authorised television channels.

Under the proposed arrangements, authorised ALTD providers would distribute only channels holding valid permission, authorisation or registration from the Central Government.

The recommended ALTD definition also refers to internet-native linear channels with an approved name and logo.

For broadcasters and content providers, this creates a proposed regulatory route for channels intended for internet-based linear distribution.

However, the press release does not establish a complete operational registration procedure, document checklist or confirmed filing deadline. These details must be verified against any future implementing rules, and official instructions.

Consumer Protection and Television Audience Measurement

Consumer protection forms an important part of TRAI's ALTD recommendations.

Consumer Complaints and Grievance Redressal
TRAI has recommended that the ALTD application provider become the principal point of contact for consumer complaints and grievance redressal relating to the service.

If adopted, this would give consumers a clearer route for raising service-related concerns with the relevant application provider.

The detailed grievance-handling requirements would need to be checked against the final rules and any other applicable consumer protection provisions.

Television Audience Measurement
TRAI has also recommended bringing television viewership through ALTD applications under the broader television audience measurement framework.

It has also proposed allowing authorised ALTD application providers to publish anonymised viewership data periodically, in line with the TV Ratings Policy, 2026.

For streaming television businesses and broadcasters, this may become relevant when assessing audiences across conventional and internet-based television distribution channels.

The proposal also recognises that scheduled television viewing is no longer limited to traditional delivery platforms.

Impact on Broadcasting and Streaming Television Businesses

The proposed ALTD regulatory framework could have different implications depending on how a business participates in television content distribution.

ALTD and FAST Service Providers
Application providers may need to examine whether their activities meet the proposed ALTD definition.

If the framework is implemented, relevant businesses would need to consider authorisation requirements, channel permissions, consumer grievance arrangements and reporting conditions.

The recommended national service area and long validity period may also be relevant when planning business operations.

Smart Television Manufacturers and OS Providers
Manufacturers and operating-system providers may need mechanisms to distinguish authorised ALTD applications from applications that have not obtained the required approval.

The proposed Master ALTD app repository could become a central reference for that purpose.

They may also need to prepare for annual reporting if the relevant requirements are adopted.

Broadcasters and Content Owners
Broadcasters distributing channels through third-party applications may need to examine how channel permissions and distribution arrangements fit within the proposed framework.

Businesses developing internet-native channels should also monitor the recommended registration mechanism.

These are potential implementation implications, not additional legal duties created directly by TRAI's announcement.

What Businesses Should Do Next

Businesses connected with internet-based linear television distribution should begin by understanding whether the proposed framework relates to their activities.

A practical review should cover the following areas:

• Assess the service model: Determine whether the business aggregates scheduled television channels, or primarily provides on-demand content.
• Review channel permissions: Identify the regulatory status of channels distributed or proposed for distribution.
• Examine stakeholder responsibilities: Application providers, OEMs, OS providers and broadcasters should review the recommendations relevant to their respective roles.
• Evaluate operational readiness: Consider how authorisation records, application availability, complaints and regulatory reporting could be managed if the framework is implemented.
• Monitor government notifications: Review future MIB rules and official application instructions before beginning any ALTD-specific filing.

When Will the Proposed ALTD Framework Become Applicable?

TRAI released its recommendations on 26 October 2026.

As of 27 October 2026, the official sources reviewed for this update did not establish a separate commencement date for the proposed ALTD authorisation framework.

TRAI has recommended that the governing conditions be notified as rules under Section 56 of the Telecommunications Act, 2023.

Businesses should therefore monitor the Government's response and any subsequent official notification.

No immediate new ALTD authorisation application, fee payment or filing deadline should be inferred solely from these recommendations.

How Corpseed Can Help

The proposed ALTD framework raises regulatory questions for streaming television businesses, broadcasters and technology companies. An early assessment can help businesses understand how their service model relates to the recommendations before deciding whether further action is necessary.

Corpseed helps businesses understand broadcasting regulations and navigate the applicable authorisation process. With its broadcasting authorisation consultancy in India, businesses can get support in understanding regulatory requirements, preparing the necessary documents and completing the relevant authorisation formalities.

Depending on the business and the confirmed service scope, relevant support may include:

• Regulatory applicability assessment: Reviewing the business activity against the proposed ALTD service definition.
• Broadcasting authorisation advisory: Reviewing the relevant authorisation categories and regulatory requirements.
• Documentation and compliance review: Checking existing approvals, channel permissions and available regulatory records.
• Regulatory readiness: Helping businesses identify issues requiring attention if the proposed framework is formally implemented.

Any future ALTD-specific application assistance would depend on the final notified requirements and availability of the relevant service.

Businesses seeking guidance can contact Corpseed's regulatory team to discuss their broadcasting or streaming television compliance requirements.

Key Takeaways

TRAI's recommendations of 26 October, 2026 propose introducing ALTD Services as a distinct authorisation category for internet-based distribution of linear television channels, including FAST services.

The proposed framework includes a 20-year initial authorisation, a Rs 10,000 processing fee, a Rs 1 lakh one-time entry fee and defined responsibilities for application providers, device manufacturers and operating-system providers.

TRAI has also recommended arrangements for internet-native channel registration, consumer complaints and television audience measurement.

The recommendations do not, by themselves, establish an immediately enforceable ALTD authorisation requirement. Businesses should review their potential applicability and follow subsequent government notifications before taking filing or payment decisions.