The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) directed and reminded all Distribution Platform Operators (DPOs) to strictly comply with annual audit requirements for Digital Addressable Systems (DAS), reinforcing transparency and accountability across the broadcasting value chain. In a statement, the regulator emphasised that the updated provisions under the Interconnection Regulations, effective April 1, 2026, mandate time-bound audits, disclosures to broadcasters, and financial disincentives for non-compliance.

In its notice to DPOs — including multi system operators, IPTV, DTH and HITS operators —TRAI underscored that annual audits of subscriber management systems, conditional access systems and related infrastructure are essential to verify the accuracy of monthly subscription reports shared with broadcasters. The move is aimed at strengthening trust and ensuring adherence to the regulatory framework governing broadcasting services.

Among the key directions emphasised yesterday, TRAI has made it mandatory for DPOs with an active subscriber base exceeding 30,000 as of March 31, 2026 to conduct audits of their addressable systems for the financial year 2025-26. These audits must be carried out by empanelled auditors to validate subscriber data and revenue reporting shared with broadcasters under interconnection agreements.

The regulator has also stipulated a clear timeline, requiring DPOs to share complete audit reports with broadcasters by September 30 each year. Additionally, any previously unaudited periods must be included in the audit exercise, while overlapping periods already audited in 2025 are to be excluded.

Further, TRAI reiterated procedural safeguards, including prior intimation to broadcasters about audit schedules and allowing broadcaster representatives to participate in the audit process in a limited capacity. The audits must also be certified as independent, with empanelled auditors confirming compliance with regulatory provisions.

Significantly, the updated framework introduces financial disincentives for delays in conducting audits. DPOs failing to complete audits within the prescribed timeline will be liable to pay Rs 1,000 per day for delays up to 30 days, and Rs 2,000 per day thereafter, subject to a maximum cap of Rs 2 lakh.

TRAI said the latest list of empanelled auditors is available on its website and reiterated that strict adherence to the audit framework will play a critical role in ensuring transparency, accuracy in revenue reporting, and orderly growth of the broadcasting sector.