TRAI recommends a separate authorisation for app-based linear television distribution services
26 October 2026
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India released its Recommendations on the Authorisation Framework for Application-based Linear Television Distribution (ALTD) Services.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had referred the subject to TRAI under Section 11(1)(a) of the TRAI Act, 1997.
TRAI recommends treating ALTD as a sub-category of Television Channel Distribution Services under Section 3(1)(a) of the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
An ALTD service aggregates Central Government approved linear television channels and delivers them over the public internet or other IP networks through apps or websites.
The authorisation is proposed for an initial validity of 20 years, renewable for successive 10-year periods, with a one-time entry fee of Rs 1 lakh and an application processing fee of Rs 10,000.
TRAI received 207 comments and 11 counter-comments on its consultation paper.
In plain words
ALTD Application-based Linear Television Distribution — A service that delivers approved linear TV channels through apps or websites over the internet.
TRAI Telecom Regulatory Authority of India — The statutory regulator for telecom and broadcasting tariffs and services in India.