TRAI Releases Draft DRM-Based Digital Addressable System Audit Manual 2026, Seeks Stakeholder Suggestions

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released the draft Digital Rights Management (DRM) based Digital Addressable System Audit Manual, 2026, for telecom (broadcasting and cable) services. The authority has invited comments and suggestions on this draft from all relevant stakeholders.

Under the Telecom (Broadcasting and Cable) Services Interconnection (Addressable System) Regulations, 2017, an annual audit of the Digital Addressable Systems (DAS) of television channel distributors is mandatory. This includes CAS, SMS, DRM, and other related systems. Schedule X of the interconnection regulations primarily specifies the requirements for DRM-based systems, such as IPTV-based distribution services.

Previously, an audit manual was released on March 10, 2026, which provided detailed audit procedures for CAS, SMS, and STB-based systems falling under Schedule III. Stakeholders, including IPTV operators, broadcasters, and auditors, had expressed the need for a similarly detailed manual for DRM-based systems under Schedule X, leading to the preparation of this new draft.

The key features of the draft DRM Audit Manual are as follows:

1. A dedicated section-wise process for verifying compliance with Schedule X, including SMS, conditional access/encryption, fingerprinting, and DRM applications for STB/software applications. 2. Scope, documentation requirements, and audit procedures for pre-signal/compliance audits and annual subscription audits. 3. Provisions for the prescribed timeline to complete the audit. 4. Clear descriptions of the roles and responsibilities of the Distribution Platform Operator (DPO), broadcaster, and auditor. 5. Standard formats for vendor declarations, audit forms, and audit reports.

This draft is available on the official website of TRAI. Stakeholders can send their written suggestions and comments by October 30, 2026, to the email IDs advbcs-2@trai.gov.in and jtadvbcs-3@trai.gov.in. It is mandatory to provide detailed reasons and relevant evidence along with the suggestions. For any information, Dr. Deepali Sharma, Advisor (B&CS) at TRAI, can be contacted.