The Draft Telecommunications (Television, Radio and Associated Services) Rules, 2026, released by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) for stakeholder consultation, implement the Telecommunications Act, 2023, replacing the outdated framework under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885. The draft provides a unified regulatory framework for broadcasting, covering the transmission of audio and audio-visual content through TV, Radio, DTH, HITS, and IPTV.

The six legacy policies consolidated into one rulebook are:

• Satellite TV Uplinking & Downlinking Guidelines, 2022
• Direct-to-Home (DTH) Broadcasting Guidelines, 2001
• Headend-in-the-Sky (HITS) Guidelines, 2009
• FM Radio Phase III Policy Guidelines, 2011
• Community Radio Policy Guidelines, 2024
• Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) Guidelines, 2008 (Ministry of Information and Broadcasting)

Mandatory Public Service Broadcasting (PSB) Obligations

Key Provisions

• Television Broadcasters: Must telecast at least 30 minutes of Public Service Broadcasting content every day between 6:00 AM and 11:00 PM.
• Private FM Radio Broadcasters: Must devote at least one hour of daily airtime to Public Service Broadcasting.
• Exemptions: Channels exclusively targeting international audiences are exempt, subject to national security clearances.

Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) Reforms

Key Reforms

• Digital Single-Window System: Establishes a fully digital authorization process for applications, approvals, renewals, and other regulatory services, reducing manual delays.
• Reduced Paperwork: Eliminates the mandatory execution of the Grant of Permission Agreement (GOPA) for several categories of broadcasting services.
• Streamlined Adjudication: Introduces standardized and transparent mechanisms for resolving compliance and licensing disputes.
• Cross-Service Licensing Clarity: Provides a predictable and uniform licensing framework for entities operating multiple broadcasting services (such as TV, DTH, FM Radio, HITS, and IPTV), reducing regulatory ambiguity.