Why were these amendments introduced?

These amendments aim to enhance transparency, improve consumer choice, and ensure fair competition among service providers.

What are the key amendments introduced by TRAI in the broadcasting and cable service regulation framework?

TRAI has introduced several amendments, including changes to the network capacity fees, discounts that distribution platform operators can offer, and recommendations for listing channels in the Electronic Programme Guide (EPG).

How will the amendments affect the network capacity fees?

The amendments include changes to the network capacity fees, which are the charges paid by consumers for accessing a certain number of channels.

What impact will the amendments have on discounts offered by distribution platform operators?

The amendments regulate the discounts that distribution platform operators can offer, ensuring that these discounts are fair and do not lead to anti-competitive practices.

What are the recommendations for the Electronic Programme Guide (EPG)?

TRAI has recommended that channels be listed in a manner that is easy for consumers to navigate.

What is TRAI's main purpose?

TRAI’s purpose is to regulate telecom and broadcasting services, protect consumers and ensure fair competition.

What is DPO in broadcasting?

A DPO is a Distribution Platform Operator that delivers TV channels to consumers via cable or DTH.

What is the broadcasting services regulation bill?

It is a proposed law to regulate TV, OTT, radio and streaming services under one framework.

What is the Cable TV regulation Act?

It is a law that controls cable TV operations, content standards, licensing and ensures regulated broadcasting services in India.

What is the broadcasting bill 2025?

The Broadcasting Bill 2025 aims to update rules for OTT, TV and radio, ensuring uniform standards and modern regulation.

Who regulates the cable industry?

The cable industry is regulated by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting along with TRAI guidelines.

What is the rule 7 of cable television network rules?

Rule 7 lists the Programme Code, defining what content is allowed or restricted on cable TV.

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TRAI Introduces Amendments In Broadcasting And Cable Service Regulation Framework

Pragya Pathak

Author

Updated: 20-11-2025 at 3:30 PM

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), being the apex regulator for broadcasting and telecommunications, frequently issues updates to its policies to maintain transparency and fairness. These amendments ensure that the financial and social interests of consumers, service providers, broadcasters, and the entire ecosystem remain balanced.

In a time when content consumption patterns are rapidly evolving, it becomes essential to revise pricing, broadcasting norms, and customer policies accordingly. Keeping these changes in mind, TRAI new rules 2025 have introduced important amendments to the existing broadcasting and telecom framework. These updates will influence everything—from TV channel pricing to recharge fees and even the New TRAI rules for incoming calls.

What Are The New Amendments By TRAI

The new updates introduced under the TRAI new rules for telecom companies bring major changes to the ongoing policy structure. Most of these amendments address network capacity fees, channel discounts, transparency in billing, and customer rights. Let’s look at each amendment in detail.

Ceiling on Network Capacity fees

While announcing that the Network Capacity Fees (NCF) will be decided by the interplay of market forces, the Regulator removed ceilings of Rs 130 for 200 channels and Rs 160 imposed on over 200 channels.

Under the TRAI new rules for TV channels, operators can now design NCF slabs based on:

Regions
Customer categories
Channel combinations

TRAI further clarified that NCF can be charged by the operators by considering various combinations, such as channels, region, customer class, etc. This higher flexibility is in line with the TRAI new rules for recharge 2025 framework, which emphasises market competitiveness.

Also Read: TRAI Introduces Amendments In Broadcasting And Cable Service Regulation Framewor

Publication of Charges

The Publication of charges by the channel and service providers has been made mandatory. All broadcasters and distribution platform operators (DPOs) must:

Publish updated prices
Notify subscribers clearly
Display charges on official websites and apps

They must be communicated to consumers according to this new government policy. This ensures consumers receive transparent information, similar to the transparency TRAI is pushing under TRAI New Rules in Hindi 2025 for regional audiences.

Percentage of Discount

The TRAI, in a bid to increase benefits for both the stakeholders, i.e., consumers and Distribution Platform Operators (DPOs), has increased the percentage of discounts that can be offered to the consumers.

The discount, which was previously limited to 15%, has now been increased up to 45%. The discount rate can be set by the operators according to the channel bouquets being offered to the consumers. A change aligned with consumer-friendly policies like the new TRAI new rules for SMS and TRAI new rules for incoming calls, which also emphasise user protection.

Declaration of Free-To-Air Channels

A paid channel being offered for free by a Direct-To-Home (DTH) service provider must be declared ‘free-to-air’. This change will:

Maintain competitive fairness
Prevent misleading package promotions
Benefit consumers who prefer economical channel options

The declaration of tariffs by DPOs has also been mandatory. This clarity also supports the norms under the upcoming New TRAI rules for SIM deactivation and TRAI new rules for SIM validity, which focus on transparency.

Distinction Between HD and SD channels

The distinction between High Definition or HD channels and Standard Definition (SD) channels has been removed. Since HD content is widely consumed and affordable, this step aims to:

Promote HD broadcasting
Ensure fair pricing
Encourage more operators to offer HD services under TRAI new rules for TV channels

A maximum carriage fee or a ceiling has been prescribed for charging the carriage fee, and operators are free to choose to charge the consumers below the ceiling. A move in line with other digital reforms seen in the latest Trai new rules pdf.

Also Read: Top Recommendations by TRAI On National Broadcasting Policy, 2025

Service Charges

The service charges for installation, activation, relocation and other such activities have been kept for reconsideration by TRAI. However, DTH operators must publish:

Installation fees
Activation fees
Relocation fees
Any additional service charges

Transparency remains the focus, especially with new policies like TRAI new rules for recharge when will start set to roll out soon.

Term of Prepaid Subscriptions

Prepaid subscription validity must now be published in number of days, ensuring clarity. Similar consumer-protection rules apply across telecom sectors, including New TRAI rules for incoming calls and TRAI new rules for SMS.

The TRAI also issued guidelines for the Information and Broadcasting Ministry to prevent the retransmission of channels and combat privacy. Consumer Facilitation has been prioritised by recent TRAI Amendments.

TRAI’s Additional Guidelines For Consumer Protection

TRAI has issued a few more suggestions to the Information and Broadcasting Ministry:

Stronger measures are required to prevent illegal retransmission of channels
Stricter rules must be enforced to protect user data and privacy
Mandatory steps to ensure quality customer support

The new policies also indirectly impact telecom operations, especially with changes under:

TRAI's new rules for SMS and,
New TRAI rules for incoming calls

These rules emphasise spam control, fraud prevention, and secure digital transactions.

Conclusion

The TRAI new rules 2025 mark a major shift toward transparency, fair pricing, and consumer protection across both broadcasting and telecom sectors. From removing NCF ceilings and increasing bouquet discounts to making charges publicly accessible, these reforms simplify the viewing and subscription experience for millions of users.

At the same time, telecom-focused updates such as TRAI new rules for SIM deactivation, TRAI new rules for SMS, and New TRAI rules for incoming calls ensure spam-free, secure communication for consumers nationwide.

Together, these amendments strengthen India's digital infrastructure and create a more accountable environment for DTH operators, broadcasters, and telecom companies. With clearer pricing, improved services, and enhanced customer rights, TRAI aims to build a transparent, reliable, and consumer-friendly broadcasting and telecom ecosystem for 2025 and beyond.

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