TRAI formulated the recommendations following a December 15, 2025 reference from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting regarding free ad-supported streaming television. To balance oversight and innovation, the regulator proposed a light-touch model that excludes social-media livestreams and single-broadcaster apps. Device manufacturers and operating-system providers would escape licensing mandates but would still be required to block unauthorized apps. The final determination on whether to implement these proposed rules now rests entirely with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
Key points
TRAI treats internet-delivered linear channels as telecommunications services because the…: TRAI treats internet-delivered linear channels as telecommunications services because they mirror traditional television distribution operations.
Device makers and operating system providers face new obligations to restrict unauthorize…: Device makers and operating system providers face new obligations to restrict unauthorized distribution applications on their platforms.
The proposals reignite historical jurisdictional disputes regarding TRAI's authority over…: The proposals reignite historical jurisdictional disputes regarding TRAI's authority over digital distribution platforms.
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“TRAI anchors its jurisdiction in a conjoint reading of Sections 2(g), 2(p) and 2(t) of the Telecom Act, concluding that a linear channel delivered over IP networks is a ‘telecommunication service’. Similar liberal reading of these clauses would essentially bring every content application within the ambit of the Telecom Act,” said Supreme Court senior advocate Abhishek Malhotra.
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“This is a massive departure from the present regime, especially given the earlier proceedings concerning TRAI’s attempt to obtain information on the distribution of television channels over OTT platforms,” he added.
The concern is whether treating internet-delivered linear channels as telecommunications services could support a broader interpretation of the law, even though TRAI’s current recommendations specifically target applications that aggregate and distribute linear television channels. The recommendations do not, by themselves, extend the proposed authorisation framework to all OTT services.
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