TRAI releases Consultation Paper on Formulation of a Regulatory Framework for Application-based Linear Television distribution (ALTD) Services (Including Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST) Services)

Information Note to the Press (Press Release No. 48/2026) For Immediate Release Telecom Regulatory Authority of India THAI releases Consultation Paper on 'Formulation of a Regulatory Framework for Application-based Linear Television distribution (ALTD) Services (Including Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST) Services)' New Delhi, 6th April 2026 The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has today released a Consultati- o n Paper titled 'Formulation of a Regulatory Framework for Application-based Linear Television distribution (ALTD) Services (Including Free Ad- Supported Streaming Television (FAST) Services)'. 2. In view the evolving broadcasting landscape, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has sent a reference to TRAI, under Section ll(1)(a) of the TRAI Act 1997, on 15th December 2025, to examine and recommend a regulatory framework for FAST Services, ensuring parity, content accountability and consumer protection. 3. Application providers that distribute linear TV channels to consumers, either as pre-installed applications on TV sets and other devices; or as downloadable mobile/smart TV applications; or as web based applications accessible through web browsers are referred to as 'Application-based Linear Television Distribution (ALTD) Services' including FAST Services. 4. The consultation paper seeks inputs on terms and conditions for grant of authorisation and service provisioning to the application providers offering ALTD services and the obligations applicable to broadcasters, content providers and aggregators for placing linear TV channels on ALTD platforms. 5. Full text of the consultation paper is available on TRAIs website Written comments and counter comments, if any, are invited from the stakeholders by 4th May 2026 and 18th May 2026 respectively, preferably in electronic form on emails:- vbcs'2tfli.'QV.1i2 and jtadviQrbC;traLZ0ifl. 6. For any clarification/information, Dr. Deepali Sharma, Advisor (B&CS), TRAI, may be contacted at Telephone No. +91-11-20907774. 6 (Atul KumiChUd'h ry) Secretary, THAI