TRAI Recommends Light-Touch Authorisation Framework for Application-based Linear Television Distribution (ALTD) Services

Key facts

• TRAI released its Recommendations on the Authorisation Framework for Application-based Linear Television Distribution (ALTD) Services on 26 October 2026.
• The recommendations follow a reference from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) dated 15 December 2025 under Section 11(1)(a) of the TRAI Act, 1997, seeking a regulatory framework for Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST) Services.
• TRAI issued a Consultation Paper on 6 April 2026, received 207 comments and 11 counter-comments, and held an Open House Discussion on 10 June 2026.
• ALTD Service is recommended as a distinct sub-category under 'Television Channel Distribution Services' within the broadcasting authorisation framework under Section 3(1)(a) of the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
• Authorisation terms should be notified as Rules under Section 56 of the Telecommunications Act, 2023, with authorisation, channel registration and reporting processes enabled through an online portal.
• The light-touch framework includes a national service area, initial validity of 20 years renewable for successive 10-year periods, ₹10,000 application processing fee and ₹1 lakh one-time entry fee, with no authorisation fee, bank guarantee or security deposit.
• The Application Provider is the primary entity responsible for obtaining authorisation and serves as the primary point of contact for consumer complaints and grievance redressal.
• OEMs and OS providers must ensure only authorised ALTD applications are available through their devices and app stores, submit annual compliance reports to MIB, which will maintain a 'Master ALTD app repository'.
• ALTD viewership is to be integrated into the television audience measurement framework, with providers permitted to publish anonymised periodic viewership data under the TV Ratings Policy, 2026.