India regulator seeks licences for free ad-supported streaming apps on smart TVs

In response to complaints from cable operators, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has advised the Information and Broadcasting Ministry to impose licensing on free, ad-supported streaming television (FAST) apps pre-installed on smart TVs, such as Samsung TV Plus and LG Channels. Under the draft rules, an app would obtain a national authorisation valid for 20 years with a ₹1 lakh entry fee, and any non-news channel created for the platform would pay ₹1 lakh per year to the Ministry.

News channels could continue using existing permissions, while foreign companies would have to operate through an Indian entity. TV manufacturers and OS providers would be required to disable apps not listed on the ministry’s authorised register. TRAI received 207 comments on its consultation and says the aim is to balance innovation with consumer protection, though the proposals remain recommendations pending ministerial decision.