TRAI Releases Draft “Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable) Services Interconnection (Addressable Systems) (Seventh Amendment) Regulations, 2025”

NEW DELHI: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has unveiled the draft Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable) Services Interconnection (Addressable Systems) (Seventh Amendment) Regulations, 2025, marking a significant step toward refining the regulatory framework for the broadcasting and cable sector. This initiative follows a consultation paper released on August 9, 2024, titled ‘Audit related provisions of Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable) Services Interconnection (Addressable Systems) Regulations, 2017 and the Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable) Services Digital Addressable Systems Audit Manual,’ which sought input from stakeholders to address existing gaps.

After thorough deliberation and feedback collection, TRAI has now proposed amendments to the 2017 regulations. The primary goal of this draft is to invite comments and suggestions from all stakeholders to ensure the proposed changes align with industry needs and technological advancements. Key issues under consideration include enhancing audit transparency, improving compliance mechanisms for digital addressable systems (DAS), and addressing emerging challenges such as signal piracy, content regulation, and data security in the evolving media landscape. The draft also aims to streamline interconnection agreements between broadcasters, multi-system operators (MSOs), and distribution platform operators (DPOs) to foster a competitive market.

The complete text of the draft regulation is accessible on TRAI’s official website, www.trai.gov.in. Stakeholders are encouraged to submit written feedback on the draft Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable) Services Interconnection (Addressable Systems) (Seventh Amendment) Regulations, 2025, by October 6, 2025. Submissions should preferably be sent electronically to Dr. Deepali Sharma, Advisor (B&CS), and Ms. Sapna Sharma, Joint Advisor (B&CS), at email addresses advbcs-2@trai.gov.in and jtadv-bcs@trai.gov.in, respectively.

For further details or clarification, stakeholders may reach out to Dr. Deepali Sharma at advbcs-2@trai.gov.in or +91-11-20907774, or Ms. Sapna Sharma at jtadv-bcs@trai.gov.in or +91-11-26701418. This consultation process reflects TRAI’s commitment to balancing innovation, consumer interests, and regulatory oversight in India’s rapidly growing telecom and broadcasting sector.

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