TRAI TELECOMMUNICATION REGULATIONS, 2026

NEWS: TRAI recently notified the Seventh Amendment to the Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable) Services Interconnection (Addressable Systems) Regulations, 2026.

ABOUT

• Amendment to Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable) Services Interconnection (Addressable Systems) Regulations, 2017.
• Aims to enhance credibility, accountability and efficiency of the audit process in broadcasting and cable services

KEY PROVISIONS

• Broadcasters can seek clarifications on discrepancies through DPO.
• Auditors must respond within a time limit.
• Annual audit to be conducted on a financial year basis and audit report to be submitted by 30th September every year.
• Annual audit is optional for DPOs with less than 30,000 subscribers.
• Infrastructure provider to insert network logo watermark at encoder end for all pay channels.

SIGNIFICANCE

• Improves audit-related provisions.
• Reduces repetitive audits of Distribution Platform Operators (DPOs).
• Incorporates infrastructure sharing in the audit framework.
• Strengthens the accountability and credibility of auditors.