TRAI releases Consultation Paper on ‘Formulation of a Regulatory Framework for Application-based Linear Television distribution (ALTD) Services (Including Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST) Services)

• TRAI Consultation Paper (CP) on regulating Application-based Linear Television Distribution (ALTD) Services, including Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST) services — released 6 April 2026.
• Aims to bring app-based linear TV distributors (smart-TV apps, mobile apps, browser apps) under a formal regulatory architecture currently absent in India.
• UPSC relevance: convergence of broadcasting + telecom + IT regulation, statutory powers of TRAI, and consumer-protection/content-accountability debates in the digital media ecosystem.