In a significant move to ensure a more inclusive and participative consultation process, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has extended the deadline for receiving public comments on the draft Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable) Services Interconnection (Addressable Systems) (Seventh Amendment) Regulations, 2025. This comes in response to multiple requests from stakeholders seeking additional time to submit their views on the proposed regulatory changes.
Originally released on 22nd September 2025, the draft amendment was open for feedback until 6th October 2025. However, after receiving representations from industry participants and other stakeholders requesting more time to review the document and prepare their responses, TRAI has decided to extend the final date for submission of comments to 14th October 2025.
TRAI, through this extension, reaffirms its commitment to a transparent and consultative approach in policy-making. It has also made it clear that no further extension will be granted beyond this revised deadline. Therefore, stakeholders — including broadcasters, distribution platform operators (DPOs), consumer groups, and industry associations — are urged to make use of this final opportunity to contribute to the consultation process.
The draft Seventh Amendment Regulations, 2025 aim to update and refine the existing framework governing the interconnection between broadcasting and cable services operating through addressable systems. These regulations are crucial in ensuring fair market practices, enhancing consumer choice, and fostering healthy competition in the broadcasting and cable service ecosystem.
Stakeholders are encouraged to send their comments preferably in electronic format to the designated email addresses:
📧 advbcs-2@trai.gov.in
📧 jtadv-bcs@trai.gov.in
For any clarification or further information regarding the draft or the submission process, the following TRAI officials can be contacted:
📞 Dr. Deepali Sharma, Advisor (B&CS) – +91-11-20907774
📞 Ms. Sapna Sharma, Joint Advisor (B&CS) – +91-11-26701418
The consultation process is an integral part of TRAI’s regulatory framework, providing all stakeholders with a platform to voice their concerns, offer suggestions, and contribute to the development of a balanced regulatory environment.
As the broadcasting and cable landscape continues to evolve rapidly in India with increasing digital adoption, amendments like these play a pivotal role in streamlining operations and addressing emerging challenges. Stakeholders are thus encouraged to review the draft document thoroughly and submit comprehensive feedback that can assist TRAI in finalizing regulations that are fair, forward-looking, and aligned with the dynamic needs of the sector.
On 3rd March 2017, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) notified the Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable) Services Interconnection (Addressable Systems) Regulations, 2017. The said regulations were further amended vide notification dated 30.10.2019, 01.01.2020, 11.06.2021, 22.11.2022, 14.09.2023 and 08.07.2024 [The principal Regulation along with its amendments are hereinafter referred to as “Interconnection Regulation 2017”.
The stakeholders have been raising certain issues for review of audit related provisions contained in the Interconnection Regulation 2017. Further, to incorporate Infrastructure sharing related provisions contained in the “Infrastructure sharing guidelines” issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), there was a need to review the audit related provisions and corresponding schedules of the Interconnection Regulation 2017. Accordingly, TRAI issued a consultation paper on ‘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’ on 9th August 2024.