Free TV channels on OTT may be banned, cable-DTH companies keeping an eye on TRAI’s decision

New Delhi. A major controversy has arisen in India regarding live TV channels running on free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) and OTT platforms. Cable and DTH operators say that Tata Play, Airtel Digital TV and other traditional services are losing subscribers rapidly as the same TV channels and content are now available for free on the internet.

According to reports, while the number of DTH subscribers was 6.66 crore in December 2022, it has come down to around 5.09 crore by December 2025. Companies allege that OTT platforms are providing the same content without heavy license fees, which is available on payment on cable and DTH. For this reason, they are demanding that licensing fees of up to Rs 10 crore and similar rules should be implemented on Internet TV platforms also.

On the other hand, OTT and digital companies argue that this platform is not a TV broadcast but an internet-based service. Jio Platforms, JioStar and other digital units say it would be wrong to apply the old cable rules to the internet age. According to him, FAST channels are not TV but app-based streaming, which should be viewed in a different legal framework.

Now TV manufacturing companies have also joined this dispute. They say that they only provide apps in smart TV, they are not responsible for the content. Crores of people in India watch free live channels on connected TVs and mobiles, so if TRAI gives a decision in favor of cable companies, many free OTT live TV channels and sports streaming services may be affected or they may have to convert to paid models. Now all eyes are on TRAI’s final decision, which may decide the future direction of digital TV and traditional broadcasting in India.