The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has released the draft Telecommunications (Television, Radio and Associated Services) Rules, 2026 for public consultation, with the aim of creating a unified regulatory framework for broadcasting services under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
According to an official statement, the draft rules seek to consolidate multiple guidelines governing television, radio and associated services that were previously administered under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885.
The Telecommunications Act, 2023, enacted by Parliament, replaced the colonial-era Telegraph Act and provides a comprehensive legal framework for telecommunications services. While different departments oversee various provisions of the Act, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is responsible for those relating to television, radio and associated services.
The proposed rules bring together several existing policy frameworks, including guidelines governing satellite television uplinking and downlinking, Direct-to-Home (DTH) broadcasting services, Headend-in-the-Sky (HITS) services, private FM radio broadcasting, community radio stations and Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) services.
The Ministry said the move would provide the broadcasting industry with a single, simplified rulebook and help harmonise the existing regulatory framework while promoting ease of doing business.
Among the key features of the draft rules are the creation of a unified regulatory framework in place of multiple guidelines, digital implementation of the authorisation process, simplified authorisation procedures, removal of the requirement to sign a Grant of Permission Agreement (GOPA), and the introduction of a transparent adjudication mechanism.
The Ministry stated that the draft rules have been designed to ensure continuity of existing authorisations while rationalising and harmonising terms and conditions to facilitate reforms in the broadcasting sector.
Once notified, the new rules will replace the various guidelines currently governing television, radio and related broadcasting services.
The draft rules have been placed in the public domain on the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s website for consultation with stakeholders and other ministries.
The Ministry has invited comments and suggestions on the draft rules by July 27, 2026. Feedback can be submitted to the Under Secretary (BP&L), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, either by post or through email.
