MIB issues advisory on IPTV self-declaration process, warns against intermediaries

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued an advisory to Internet Protocol television (IPTV) service providers, reiterating the procedure for submitting self-declarations before launching services. The advisory, dated April 22, 2026, outlined compliance requirements under existing policy guidelines.

According to the ministry, IPTV services in India are governed by policy guidelines issued on September 8, 2008. These require all telecom licensees and cable operators, including MSOs and LCOs, to submit a self-certified declaration before starting IPTV operations.

The declaration must be filed in a prescribed format with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Department of Telecommunications, and TRAI. It should include details such as licence or registration information, proposed start date, service area, and network infrastructure.

The ministry clarified that the self-declaration format is straightforward and only requires basic factual details. It stated that no assistance from third-party consultants or intermediaries is needed to complete or submit the declaration. It also said that no fee is charged for filing the document.

In the advisory, the ministry said that no third party has any role in processing IPTV self-declarations and cannot expedite the process. Stakeholders were advised to remain cautious and avoid engaging with unauthorised entities claiming to facilitate submissions. They were also instructed to interact only with designated officials of the ministry.

For queries or assistance related to the submission process, stakeholders were asked to contact the ministry through its official email. The advisory was issued by Shiv Ram Meena, Under Secretary to the Government of India. StoryBoard18