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News India Live, Digital Desk: If you are also fond of watching movies and TV shows without any subscription through ‘FAST’ (Free Ad-supported Streaming TV) apps on your smart TV or smartphone, then this news may shock you. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is now preparing to crack down on these free streaming platforms. TRAI believes that these apps are violating existing rules and creating unequal competition for traditional cable and DTH operators. In the coming days, new and strict rules may be implemented for these free services, which will change your way of entertainment.
What are these ‘FAST’ apps and why has their popularity increased?
In recent years, platforms like Samsung TV Plus, LG Channels and Xiaomi TV have made a strong hold in the Indian market. These are called ‘fast’ apps, where viewers can watch live TV and movies with ads without paying any monthly fee. Crores of Indians have shifted to these free services to avoid cable and expensive OTT subscriptions. But now TRAI has turned a blind eye on them.
TRAI’s objection: What is the real controversy?
TRAI’s main argument is that these streaming platforms are actually providing broadcasting services, but they are not following the rules and licensing conditions that are applicable to cable TV or DTH companies.
License fee issue: Cable operators have to pay huge license fees and taxes to the government, whereas these apps avoid this expense by showing content for free through the internet.
Content Regulation: There are strict standards for the programs shown on TV, but there is still a vague situation regarding the monitoring of content running on these apps.
Unequal Competition: TRAI believes that this is causing huge losses to the traditional TV industry and not everyone is getting a ‘level playing field’ in the market.
Will your favorite free channels become expensive now?
Experts believe that if TRAI makes registration and licensing mandatory for these apps, the costs for companies will increase. This will have a direct impact on common consumers.
Subscription Model: It is possible that instead of being completely free, these apps may adopt a ‘freemium’ model, where you have to pay for some channels.
Lots of advertisements: To cut costs, companies may increase the number of advertisements between programs, which will affect your viewing experience.
Content cuts: Many small and international channels may disappear from these platforms due to licensing rules.
There was a stir in the tech and broadcasting world.
This possible move by TRAI has sparked a new debate between tech companies and broadcasters. While on one hand there is talk of digital India and internet freedom, on the other hand there are preparations to use the baton of regulation. Experts in the OTT and streaming world say that it would be wrong to view internet-based services through the lens of traditional TV. At present, TRAI is taking opinion from stakeholders on this and new guidelines can be issued soon. If you are also a smart TV user, then enjoy your ‘free TV’ until the new rules are implemented.