India’s Draft Broadcast Rules Put IPTV Inside A Telecom Authorisation Test

IPTV Moves Into The Authorisation Stack

India’s draft Telecommunications (Television, Radio and Associated Services) Rules, 2026 would move broadcasting oversight closer to a telecom-style authorisation model.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting opened the proposal for public consultation, with comments due by July 27.

The main change is consolidation.

Television channels, Direct-to-Home platforms, Headend-in-the-Sky services, private FM radio, community radio, teleports, television news agencies and IPTV would sit under one framework tied to the Telecommunications Act, 2023.

The draft would replace older licences, permissions and registrations built around the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 and broadcasting guidelines.

For operators, the transition matters because the draft includes a migration route.

Existing television, DTH, HITS and community-radio licensees could apply to move into the new regime while their current permissions remain valid.

That gives the proposal an implementation path, not just a new compliance label.

Closed-Network IPTV Gets Formal Treatment

IPTV receives one of the clearest technology updates.

The draft defines it as a television channel distribution service delivered over Internet Protocol on a closed network.

Instead of creating a separate IPTV licence track, the framework would let an entity provide IPTV after declaring that it already holds either an internet services authorisation under telecom rules or a multi-system operator registration under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act.

That recognition could matter for broadband and distribution companies that sit between telecom infrastructure and television regulation.

IPTV providers would also take on programme code and advertising code duties similar to other television distribution services.

They would need to keep programme and advertisement recordings for 90 days and provide them to the government when requested.

The draft also makes television channels more technology-neutral.

Channels could operate through satellite or terrestrial transmission, and the terrestrial category is broad enough to include wireline systems, wireless infrastructure, the internet and other non-satellite broadcasting methods.

Switching between satellite and terrestrial modes would still require government approval and applicable clearances.

Compliance Burden Expands Beyond Licensing

The proposal does not stop at authorisation mechanics.

It would require television channels to carry at least 30 minutes a day of public-service programming, scheduled from 6 AM until 11 PM and focused on nationally important, socially relevant themes.

Community radio stations would need an Advisory and Content Committee with local members, and 50% of that committee must be women.

Operational rules also become more explicit.

Television channels would have to begin operations within one year of spectrum assignment and stay continuously operational during the authorisation period.

If a channel is off air for more than 60 consecutive days, it must inform the government and give reasons.

If the interruption lasts more than 90 consecutive days, the authorisation would be deemed withdrawn unless a government order caused the break.

The enforcement watchpoint is the Centre’s monitoring power.

The draft allows inspections, recording requests and review of ownership changes, which must be reported within 30 days and may need prior permission when control or management changes.

The open question for IPTV and internet-delivered television is how far a unified telecom framework can extend broadcast-style obligations without creating new uncertainty for digital distribution models.