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)

**Executive Summary** The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) released a consultation paper on April 6, 2026, to establish a regulatory framework for Application-based Linear Television distribution (ALTD) and Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST) services. Initiated by a reference from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the framework aims to ensure regulatory parity, content accountability, and consumer protection. Stakeholders must submit written comments by May 4, 2026, and counter-comments by May 18, 2026. **Key Points / Main Content** **Scope and Definitions** * **ALTD Services defined:** Includes providers distributing linear TV channels via pre-installed applications on devices, downloadable mobile or smart TV apps, and web-based browser applications. * **FAST Services:** Specifically included within the scope of the proposed ALTD regulatory framework. **Regulatory Objectives** * **Market Parity:** Developing a framework that ensures consistent regulation across the evolving broadcasting landscape. * **Accountability:** Establishing clear rules for content accountability and consumer protection within application-based distribution. * **Authorization:** Seeking inputs on the specific terms and conditions for granting formal authorization to application providers. **Service Obligations** * **Provisioning:** Defining the requirements for how services are provisioned to consumers. * **Stakeholder Obligations:** Outlining the responsibilities of broadcasters, content providers, and aggregators when placing linear TV channels on ALTD platforms. **Impact Analysis** **Application Providers (ALTD and FAST)** **Impact** These providers may soon be subject to formal authorization requirements, specific terms and conditions for service provisioning, and new regulatory oversight. **Action Required** Review the full consultation paper on the TRAI website and submit written comments by May 4, 2026, and counter-comments by May 18, 2026, to the designated TRAI email addresses. **Broadcasters, Content Providers, and Aggregators** **Impact** The framework proposes new obligations regarding how these entities place linear TV channels on digital applications and platforms. **Action Required** Evaluate the proposed obligations and provide feedback to TRAI within the established deadlines to influence the final regulatory recommendations. **Consumers** **Impact** The proposed framework is intended to enhance consumer protection and ensure accountability for the content delivered through streaming and application-based platforms. **Action Required** No immediate action is required, though consumers are considered stakeholders and may submit comments regarding the proposed protections.

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