India, Oct. 27 -- The telecom regulator has recommended that apps that stream free, ad-supported TV channels over the internet should require a government licence, as cable and DTH operators do.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) sent its recommendations to the Information and Broadcasting Ministry on Monday. The ministry had asked for them in December 2025, after cable operators complained that such services were operating without a licence.

Many smart TVs now come with preinstalled apps, such as Samsung TV Plus and LG Channels, that stream live-style channels for free, with ad breaks in between. The industry calls this free ad-supported streaming television (FAST).

TRAI's report names no company and proposes a wider ter...