TRAI Notifies Seventh Amendment to Broadcasting & Cable Interconnection Regulations, 2026
Context
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has notified the Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable) Services Interconnection (Addressable Systems) (Seventh Amendment) Regulations, 2026 to upgrade and rationalise the audit ecosystem for broadcasting and cable television services.
Purpose – To reinforce transparency, responsibility, and operational efficiency in audits relating to broadcasting and cable distribution.
Legal Update – Modification of the Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable) Services Interconnection (Addressable Systems) Regulations, 2017.
Issuing Authority – Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).
Core Intent –
- Streamline and refine audit provisions.
- Minimise duplication of audits for Distribution Platform Operators (DPOs).
- Embed infrastructure-sharing considerations within the audit structure.
- Improve the reliability and accountability of auditors.
Salient Provisions
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual Audit Schedule | Audit to be conducted for each financial year; report to be filed by 30th September. |
| Stakeholder Participation | Broadcasters permitted to nominate representatives during audit proceedings. |
| Dispute & Clarification Process | Broadcasters may seek explanations on variances through the DPO; auditors must reply within a defined timeframe. |
| Second Audit Option | Broadcasters can initiate a fresh audit at their own expense, subject to TRAI’s approval. |
| Delay in Submission | If distributors fail to submit audit reports by the deadline, broadcasters may arrange an audit. |
| Relief for Small DPOs | Mandatory annual audit waived for DPOs with under 30,000 subscribers; broadcasters may audit at own cost. |
| Shared Infrastructure Norms | Separate SMS and CAS/DRM systems required for each distributor to enable entity-level reconciliation. |
| Branding & Watermarking | Network logo watermark to be embedded at encoder end; distributor/seeker to provide logo via STB or middleware; ideally only two logos on screen. |
| Audit Guidelines | Updated Audit Manual to be released in accordance with the amended regulations. |
Why It Matters
- Trust Building – Improves confidence in audit outcomes and auditor conduct.
- Business-Friendly Regulation – Reduces compliance complexity and cost.
- Predictable Timelines – Promotes timely completion of audits.
About the Regulator (TRAI)
- Established under the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997.
- Responsible for regulating telecom and broadcasting services, including tariff determination.
- The 2000 amendment created the Telecommunications Dispute Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT).
- TDSAT’s Jurisdiction – Disputes between licensor–licensee, among service providers, or between service providers and consumers; also hears appeals against TRAI orders.
Source : PIB