The All Local Cable Operator Association Delhi (ALCOA INDIA), representing thousands of Local Cable Operators (LCOs) across India, has strongly objected to the growing presence of Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST) channels in the country.

The association has expressed concerns over the lack of regulatory oversight on these platforms, warning that their unchecked expansion could pose a serious threat to India’s licensed cable industry, government revenues, and national security.

The rise of FAST channels offering 100+ free-to-air channels on smart TVs from brands like LG, Samsung, and Xiaomi has sparked intense debate in the broadcasting industry. Unlike traditional cable operators, who operate under stringent licensing, revenue-sharing, and content regulations, these television manufacturers are providing channels without any licensing obligations, government scrutiny, or compliance with broadcasting laws.

ALCOA INDIA argues that such an unregulated content distribution model undermines the entire Cable TV Act, Digital Addressable System (DAS) regulations, and Programming & Advertisement Codes that LCOs must adhere to. The association has called on the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) to immediately intervene and establish a fair regulatory framework for FAST channels.

What makes the situation even more alarming for LCOs is that major foreign electronic brands like LG, Samsung, and Xiaomi subsidiaries of Korean and Chinese corporations are aggressively promoting their smart TVs on the basis of free content availability, effectively bypassing the need for a set-top box, cable connection, or DTH subscription.

“Cable operators in India charge consumers Rs.130 + GST for 100+ Free-to-Air (FTA) channels, while these smart TV brands are offering the same content for free, without any accountability. How is this fair?” questioned Vijaypal Singh Chauhan, Chairman of ALCOA INDIA.

The association further highlighted the rising presence of grey-market smart TVs—unbranded televisions being sold with unauthorized FAST channels and illegal streaming applications, including foreign channels that are banned in India. This, according to ALCOA INDIA, not only disrupts the market balance but also raises serious concerns over content security and national regulations.

The impact of this unregulated streaming boom extends beyond LCOs, with over 2 lakh cable operators and nearly 10 lakh employees now facing an existential crisis.

“If televisions can provide channels without a cable connection, set-top box, or wireless DTH, what will happen to the livelihoods of thousands of Indian cable operators? The government must decide—support India’s regulated cable industry or let foreign corporations dictate the future of Indian broadcasting,” the statement from ALCOA INDIA added.

The association also warned of potential revenue losses for the Indian government, stating that these TV brands do not contribute any GST on the free content they provide, leading to a significant shortfall in tax collection.

ALCOA INDIA has urged the Indian government to ban such televisions until a clear regulatory framework is introduced for FAST channels. The association has posed critical questions to authorities:
Are companies like LG, Samsung, and Xiaomi registered as Multi-System Operators (MSOs) or Local Cable Operators (LCOs)?

How are they legally distributing TV channels without licensing under India’s broadcasting laws?
Who approved the sale of these televisions in India without regulatory oversight?
Why is the government allowing such platforms to operate when they can potentially distribute banned foreign channels?

As the cable industry fights for survival, the ball is now in the government’s court. Will TRAI and MIB step in to protect LCOs, secure government revenue, and regulate FAST channels, or will the unregulated streaming boom continue to reshape India’s broadcasting landscape? The coming weeks may decide the fate of millions dependent on the Indian cable industry.