In a significant regulatory filing with India’s TRAI, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited has challenged the categorization of free streaming TV services as over-the-top (OTT) platforms. Zee demands these services be regulated under existing television distribution frameworks, emphasizing their functional similarity to traditional linear television.
- Zee wants FAST and ALTD services regulated like traditional TV broadcasting.
- Calls for application providers to assume regulatory responsibility.
- Seeks 'must carry' provisions and stricter compliance for streaming platforms.
What happened
Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited has formally submitted its views to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) advocating for free streaming TV services, such as FAST and ALTD platforms, to be classified and regulated in the same way as traditional television distribution. Contrasting opinions from JioStar and Culver Max categorize these services as OTT platforms that operate over the open internet, but Zee maintains these platforms deliver linear, scheduled programming similar to conventional TV channels.
Zee's submission emphasizes that the defining characteristic of these services is continuous and real-time broadcasting to all viewers, which aligns with traditional linear television. Consequently, Zee proposes that the regulatory framework should mandate that application providers—who manage channel aggregation, user interface, and content delivery—be primarily responsible for compliance with broadcasting rules.
Why it matters
Zee’s push for TV-style regulation addresses concerns about regulatory imbalance between licensed traditional broadcasters and emerging streaming platforms. Currently, licensed TV distributors adhere to various content, advertising, and consumer protection rules, while ALTD and FAST services face fewer checks, creating what Zee describes as ‘regulatory arbitrage’ and an uneven competitive landscape.
Implementing broadcasting-style regulation on free streaming services could reshape the fast-growing digital entertainment market by applying existing obligations—such as must carry mandates, content quotas, and anti-piracy measures—to app-based linear distribution. This call for parity has implications for broadcasters, OTT platforms, app providers, and device manufacturers, potentially increasing oversight and compliance requirements across the connected TV ecosystem.
What to watch next
The next steps involve the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India reviewing submissions like Zee’s during its consultation process and deciding how to define and regulate FAST and ALTD services. Regulatory outcomes could include new licensing and authorisation mandates imposing broadcaster-style responsibilities on streaming app providers and related stakeholders like smart TV manufacturers and operating system providers.
Stakeholders should monitor the developments as they will influence market dynamics between traditional and streaming TV distributors. The resolution may also affect consumer access rules, content carriage obligations, and enforcement mechanisms within India’s rapidly evolving digital broadcast landscape.