Last updated: April 15th, 2026 at 07:28 UTC+02:00
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It could face the same level of scrutiny and content accountability as traditional TV channel distributors.
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Abhijeet Mishra / SamMobile
Samsung TV Plus is a free, ad-supported TV (FAST) service that offers hundreds of linear channels on Samsung TVs and other smart devices. This services is available for free in dozens of coutries worldwide. With the growing popularity of such services, India’s telecom regulator could soon (via MediaNama) bring it and similar platforms under formal regulation.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), a government body, has released a consultation paper outlining plans to regulate app-based linear TV services such as Samsung TV Plus and Xiaomi TV+. TRAI has proposed a regulatory framework for Application-based Linear Television Distribution (ALTD) services, which include FAST platforms. This move follows a request from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) made in December 2025.
Some of the services that fall under this category include:
TRAI classifies apps that offer linear TV channels, whether pre-installed on devices or accessible through browser shortcuts, as ALTD services. Traditional TV distribution platforms such as cable and satellite currently operate under strict regulations, including:
FAST platforms, however, are not currently subject to the same rules. TRAI believes this creates an uneven playing field between FAST services and traditional TV providers, potentially affecting the latter’s revenue.
Traditional broadcasters have been pushing for a regulatory framework for FAST platforms, and this consultation paper is a step in that direction.
If implemented, the new regulations could require Samsung TV Plus and other FAST services in India to comply with additional rules to continue operating. It remains unclear how these changes might impact their functionality or user experience.
Asif is a computer engineer turned technology journalist. He has been using Samsung phones since 2004, and his current smartphone is the Galaxy S23 Ultra. He loves headphones, mechanical keyboards, and PC hardware. When not writing about technology, he likes watching crime and science fiction movies and TV shows.
