Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Releases Draft Telecom Rules 2026 for Public Consultation

New Delhi, June 12: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has released the draft Telecommunications (Television, Radio and Associated Services) Rules, 2026 for public consultation. The proposed rules aim to create a unified regulatory framework for television, radio, and related broadcasting services under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.

Stakeholders can submit comments and suggestions on the draft rules until July 27, 2026.

The Telecommunications Act, 2023 replaced the colonial-era Indian Telegraph Act of 1885. The legislation provides a modern legal framework for India’s expanding telecommunications and broadcasting sectors.

Under the new arrangement, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is responsible for implementing provisions related to television, radio, and associated broadcasting services.

The draft rules consolidate several existing guidelines governing broadcasting services into a single framework.

These include regulations related to satellite television channels, Direct-to-Home (DTH) services, Headend-in-the-Sky (HITS) platforms, private FM radio broadcasting, community radio stations, and Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) services.

Officials said the move will provide broadcasters with a simplified and comprehensive rulebook.

The proposed rules seek to improve the ease of doing business in the broadcasting sector.

Key reforms include the introduction of a single regulatory framework, digital processing of authorisations, simplified approval procedures, and the removal of the requirement to sign a Grant of Permission Agreement (GOPA).

The draft also introduces a transparent adjudication mechanism for regulatory matters.

According to the ministry, the draft rules maintain continuity with existing authorisation conditions while introducing reforms aimed at streamlining operations.

The government said the objective is to harmonise current regulations without disrupting services already operating under existing guidelines.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has invited comments from industry stakeholders, organisations, and the public.

Suggestions can be submitted to the Under Secretary (BP&L), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, New Delhi, preferably through email, by July 27, 2026.

Once finalised and notified, the new rules will replace the various guidelines currently governing television, radio, DTH, FM, community radio, HITS, and IPTV services in India.