DTH players push for level playing field as FAST, ALTD rules debated at TRAI

India’s television distribution ecosystem is witnessing a sharp regulatory divide, with DTH operators such as Tata Play and Dish TV India urging TRAI to bring FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television) and application-based linear TV distribution (ALTD) platforms under the same framework as cable, DTH, and IPTV. In submissions to the regulator, the companies flagged “regulatory arbitrage”, arguing that internet-based platforms deliver television-like linear content without adhering to licensing, advertising, content, and security norms applicable to traditional operators.

The push comes amid TRAI’s ongoing consultation, initiated after the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting sought recommendations in December 2025, as pay-TV subscriptions decline and viewers shift to OTT and connected TV platforms. While legacy players, including AIDCF and Bharti Telemedia, called for “same content, same rules” and raised concerns over compliance, pricing, and national security, digital and tech companies have opposed extending legacy-style regulation to FAST and ALTD services, setting the stage for a broader policy battle over the future of TV distribution in India.
BCS Bureau