TRAI live TV apps could soon need a government licence before they reach your smart TV. On 26 October 2026, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India sent the government its recommendations for a new category called Application-based Linear Television Distribution, or ALTD. In plain terms, these are apps that stream scheduled TV channels over the internet, much like a cable box does over a wire.

This is a recommendation, not a rule yet. So nothing changes on your TV today. Still, the plan would reshape which streaming TV apps appear on Indian smart TVs, so it is worth understanding now.

What counts as a live TV app here

The proposal covers apps, websites and similar interfaces that bundle approved linear channels and deliver them over the internet. That includes FAST services, short for free ad-supported streaming television. These platforms run channels on a fixed schedule, with ads instead of a subscription. They may also carry on-demand shows as an extra.

However, two groups sit outside the plan. First, a broadcaster’s own app is excluded if it only streams that group’s own channels. Second, live streams on social media platforms are not covered either.

The licence TRAI has in mind

Under the proposal, the company behind each app would hold a national authorisation. It would last 20 years at first, then renew in 10 year blocks. Also, the costs are deliberately light: a processing fee of ₹10,000 and a one-time entry fee of ₹1 lakh. There would be no yearly authorisation fee, bank guarantee or security deposit.

Authorised apps could only carry channels that already hold government permission or registration. Meanwhile, channels made only for the internet would get a simpler registration route of their own. According to Indian Television, those channels would be treated as non-news channels.

How TRAI live TV apps rules would reach your smart TV

This is the part most viewers will feel. TRAI says TV makers and operating system providers should make sure only authorised ALTD apps are available on their devices and app stores. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting would keep a master list of approved apps. Then, device makers would file a yearly compliance report.

So if the plan becomes law, an unlicensed live TV app could disappear from your TV’s app store. It might also be disabled on sets already sold. For most people, that would mean a shorter but more accountable list of free channel apps.

What changes for complaints and ratings

The app provider would become your first point of contact for complaints. For example, if a channel stops working or an ad breaks the rules, you would raise it with the app itself. Reports say providers would need to show India-based grievance officer details clearly.

In addition, viewing on these apps would count towards TV audience ratings. That matters because ratings drive ad money, which in turn decides which channels survive.

What happens next

The ministry referred the issue to TRAI in December 2025. TRAI then ran a public consultation that drew 207 comments. Now the government must decide whether to accept the ideas and notify rules under the Telecommunications Act, 2023. There is no date for that yet, and it follows other recent changes such as India’s telecom sandbox rules.

Until then, keep using the apps you have. If you rely on a free channel app on your smart TV, it is worth noting who runs it. In short, apps from established broadcasters or platforms are the likeliest to seek and win approval.

Related on Elsepost

Sources