TDSAT pulls up IBDF over delay in WAVES OTT case, impleads 64 broadcasters

The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) has pulled up the Indian Broadcasting and Digital Foundation (IBDF) for failing to file its response in the ongoing dispute over Prasar Bharati’s WAVES OTT platform, cautioning that further delays may invite penal action.

A bench comprising Justice D.N. Patel and Dr. Sanjeev Banzal declined IBDF’s request for an additional four weeks to submit its reply, directing the broadcasters’ body to adhere to the prescribed timeline. The matter has been listed for further hearing on August 31.

In a key development, the tribunal has allowed the impleadment of 64 broadcasters whose television channels are currently available on the WAVES platform. TDSAT observed that these entities are necessary parties, as the outcome of the proceedings could directly impact their rights and commercial interests.

The broadcasters brought on record include major networks such as Zee Media, TV Today Network, ABP Network, Republic Media, Network18, Bennett Coleman & Co., News Nation, NDTV, India TV, TV9 Network, Asianet News Network, B4U Television Network, ITV Network and PTC Network, among others.

The dispute stems from a petition filed by the All India Digital Cable Federation (AIDCF), which has challenged Prasar Bharati’s move to stream linear satellite television channels on its government-backed WAVES OTT platform.

AIDCF contends that the Uplinking and Downlinking Guidelines, 2022 permit broadcasters to provide signal reception decoders only to authorised distribution platforms such as multi-system operators (MSOs), cable operators, DTH operators, IPTV operators and HITS operators. It argues that OTT platforms do not fall within these categories, rendering the streaming of linear TV channels on WAVES inconsistent with the existing regulatory framework.

The federation has further alleged inaction on the part of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting despite the claimed regulatory violations.

Prasar Bharati had onboarded multiple linear television channels on WAVES following a notice issued in November 2025. The plea seeking impleadment maintained that broadcasters carried on the platform must be included in the proceedings to ensure comprehensive adjudication.

The case has progressively widened in scope. Earlier, TDSAT had permitted IBDF to intervene in the matter. With 64 broadcasters now formally added as respondents, the proceedings are expected to see more extensive arguments from both broadcasters and distribution platform operators.

The outcome is being closely tracked by the broadcasting industry, as it is likely to have significant implications for the regulatory framework governing the distribution of linear television channels via OTT platforms in India.
BCS Bureau