Archive · 24 Sep 2025
TRAI Proposes Tighter Cable TV Audit Rules
The Indian government's TRAI is updating the rules for cable TV companies.
They want to make sure the companies are accurately reporting how many people subscribe to their channels.
Starting in 2026, the companies will need to have an audit every year to check their systems.
These audits will be done by approved companies.
Cable companies that are too small will not need to do the audit, but big broadcasters could still request one.
If there are any disagreements about the audits, TRAI can step in to resolve them.
The updated rules also talk about the sharing of equipment between different cable companies.
TRAI proposed changes to cable TV distribution rules.
The goal is to increase transparency and reduce disputes.
Distributors must get addressable systems audited annually.
Smaller distributors with fewer than 30,000 subscribers are exempt.
The public can comment on the draft amendment by October 6, 2025.
- Who
- Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)
- What
- Proposed amendments to cable distribution rules, tightening audit requirements.
- When
- Public comments requested by October 6, 2025. Rules slated to be effective from April 1, 2026.
- Where
- India
- Why
- To ensure transparency in subscription reporting, prevent under-declaration of subscriber numbers, and reduce disputes.
- Proposed Rules
- Tighter audit requirements for cable TV distributors
- Effective Date
- April 1, 2026
- Public Comment Deadline
- October 6, 2025
- Audit Frequency
- Annually
- Audit Requirements
- Addressable systems must be audited (SMS, CAS, DRM).
- Auditors
- BECIL or other empanelled auditors
- Small Distributor Exemption
- Distributors with <30,000 subscribers can skip audits.
