Cable operators are increasingly demanding regulatory parity as the lines between traditional broadcasting and FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV) continue to blur. This demand is driven by the need for a level playing field across different distribution technologies, including cable, satellite, and streaming services.

Cable operators face various regulatory restrictions that do not apply to streaming services or other platforms. For instance, cable operators are subject to ownership limits and content regulations that streaming services often bypass. This disparity creates economic inefficiencies and market imbalances, as streaming platforms can offer more diverse content and pricing structures without similar regulatory burdens.

FAST platforms, which offer free ad-supported streaming, are further complicating the regulatory landscape. They operate under different rules than traditional cable operators, leading to calls for regulatory parity to ensure fair competition.

In India, the All India Digital Cable Federation (AIDCF) has raised concerns about DD Free Dish, a public service platform that operates similarly to private DTH services but is exempt from certain regulations. AIDCF argues that these exemptions create market imbalances and revenue losses for the exchequer, highlighting the need for regulatory parity between public and private operators.

The convergence of technologies—such as broadcast, cable, satellite, and streaming—underscores the need for a technology-neutral regulatory framework. This approach would treat similar services similarly, regardless of the distribution method, ensuring a more efficient media marketplace.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has proposed bringing broadcasting services under the Telecom Act, sparking debate about regulatory jurisdiction and parity. While this initiative aims to standardize regulations, it faces opposition from broadcasters who argue that TRAI lacks authority over content.

The demand for regulatory parity by cable operators reflects broader industry concerns about the need for a consistent regulatory framework across different media platforms. As FAST and streaming services continue to grow, addressing these disparities will be crucial for ensuring fair competition and promoting innovation in the media sector.

Key Highlights:

• Regulatory Parity Demand: Cable operators seek parity due to blurred lines between traditional broadcasting and FAST services.
• Key Issues: Regulatory disparities between cable, streaming, and other platforms create market imbalances.
• DD Free Dish Concerns: Exemptions for DD Free Dish are seen as creating unfair competition for private operators.
• Future Directions: Calls for a technology-neutral regulatory framework to ensure fair competition.