Now Pay TV channels will be available only on Pay TV platforms

Currently, there are lots of pay TV channels available for free on FreeDTH, OTT, and other television platforms. TRAI had said to all those channels to clarify his status. If the channel is free-to-air then it should be available as an FTA channel, if the channel is a pay TV channel then it should be available only on Pay TV platforms. That’s why all the broadcasters providing their latest ROI, and also declaring their TV channels as FTA or Pay on their official websites, which will be applicable from 1st February 2025. The new TRAI rules mandate that the channels must abide by the following rules to comply with their status as FTA (Free-to-Air) or free channels.

Distribution of TV Channels –

Channels designated as FTA must remain free on all platforms, including DTH services such as DD Free Dish, cable networks, and OTT platforms. This ensures consistency for viewers and prevents confusion about channel status.

Pay TV Channels –

TV Channels designated as pay channels cannot broadcast on free platforms such as DD Free Dish while maintaining their pay-channel status. This prevents payment methods from using free platforms as they charge fees and others for unfair advantage.

Declaration Requirements –

Broadcasters should communicate their channel status (FTA or paid) and ensure the same is adhered to across platforms to keep customers transparent.

FTA channels must remain free –

TV Channels that are currently FTA must remain free across all platforms, including DD Free Dish.

Pay channels must withdraw from FTA platforms –

TV Channels that wish to maintain their pay-channel designation must withdraw from FTA platforms like DD Free Dish. According to media sources, The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has introduced new regulations requiring channels to either remain Free-to-Air (FTA) across all platforms, including DD Free Dish, or withdraw from these free TV platforms to maintain their pay-channel status. This change aims to bring clarity and consistency to the Indian television broadcasting industry, ensuring that channels are either freely available or exclusively offered as paid services.