TRAI recommends authorisation framework for app-based linear TV services
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on 26 October 2026 recommended an authorisation framework for Application-based Linear Television Distribution (ALTD) services, which stream scheduled TV channels through apps and websites. App providers would need a national authorisation valid for 20 years. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, which sought the advice, will decide whether to adopt it.
Syllabus: Prelims · Polity & Governance; GS2 · Statutory & Regulatory Bodies; GS2 · Government Policies
Why this matters for UPSC
GS2 (statutory and regulatory bodies) and GS3 (communication networks): Prelims can ask what Section 11 of the TRAI Act, 1997 empowers and what the Telecommunications Act, 2023 replaced; Mains, about regulating internet-delivered television.
Why it matters
A family watching free channels on a smart TV app often cannot tell who cleared those channels or whom to complain to. If the government adopts the plan, such apps would carry only channels the government has permitted or registered, and each app provider would answer complaints. TV makers and app stores would have to switch off apps that lack approval, so a viewer may lose some apps but gain accountable ones. Cable and satellite platforms, which already need government permission, would compete on a more even footing. The larger issue is how a state can bring internet media under rules without choking new services or free expression.
Prelims pointers
- TRAI Act, 1997, Section 11(1)(a): TRAI recommends, suo motu or at the licensor's request, on the need and timing for a new service provider and on licence terms.
- First proviso to Section 11(1) of the TRAI Act: recommendations under clause (a) are not binding upon the Central Government.
- For a new licence, the Central Government must seek TRAI's view on need, timing and terms; TRAI must reply within sixty days.
- A recommendation the government cannot accept, or wants modified, goes back to TRAI for reconsideration; after TRAI's further recommendation, the government takes the final decision.
- Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal: set up under Section 14 of the TRAI Act, as substituted in 2000; hears appeals against TRAI's directions, decisions or orders.
- Telecommunications Act, 2023, Section 2(d): 'authorisation' is a permission, by whatever name called, to provide telecom services, run telecom networks or possess radio equipment.
- Telecommunications Act, 2023, Section 24: the Universal Service Obligation Fund created under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 becomes the Digital Bharat Nidhi, under the Central Government's control.
Practise a UPSC-style question
With reference to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997, consider the following statements:
1. TRAI may make recommendations on its own motion or on a request from the licensor.
2. Recommendations made by TRAI under Section 11(1)(a) are not binding upon the Central Government.
3. Appeals against TRAI's directions, decisions or orders lie before the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Show the answer
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3. TRAI advises, the government decides, and TDSAT hears appeals against TRAI.
Statement 1: correct. Section 11(1)(a) of the TRAI Act, 1997 lets TRAI recommend either suo motu or on a request from the licensor.
Statement 2: correct. The first proviso to Section 11(1) says recommendations under clause (a) shall not be binding upon the Central Government.
Statement 3: correct. Section 14, as substituted by the TRAI (Amendment) Act, 2000, set up TDSAT to hear appeals against any direction, decision or order of TRAI.
Eliminate: Statements 1, 2 and 3 judged together: the Act names both routes, makes the advice non-binding and sends appeals to TDSAT, so all three stand. Out: (a), (b), (c).
Trap: Wrong scope. A student who assumes a statutory regulator's advice binds the government may doubt statement 2, though the Act makes it advisory.
Remember: TRAI recommends, the Central Government decides, TDSAT hears appeals.
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