TRAI proposes licensing live TV apps like Samsung TV Plus in India

India's TRAI recommended that apps streaming linear TV channels, including Samsung TV Plus, YuppTV and Xiaomi's TV+, obtain a government licence under the Telecommunications Act 2023. The framework sets fees, requires user data to be stored in India and mandates removal of unlicensed apps; the Information and Broadcasting Ministry will decide.

• 20-year national licence: Rs 1 lakh entry fee plus Rs 10,000 processing fee
• Internet-only channels must register at Rs 1 lakh per year
• Viewing history and payment data must be stored on servers in India
• About 70% of channels on these apps are made only for the internet