India's union Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has asked the telecom regulatory authority of India (TRAI) for recommendations on the issue of regulations for the cable TV sector in the country.

The ministry has asked the telecom sector regulator to give suggestions on reforms of regulations for mission of local channels or ground based channels that are operated by multi-system operators (MSOs) and local cable operators (LCOs). The ministry has asked TRAI for its views on whether there should be a set of provisions for local channels on the issue.

The TRAI also has to provide suggestions on registration mechanism for such channels including eligibility requirements, fee, terms and conditions and also its suggestions on placing a limit on the number of these channels operating in the country.

Some of the Cable TV operators or MSOs transmit local news, videos and other local content on separate channels besides providing access to satellite TV channels from the broadcasting broadcasters. These channels are not regulated by any set of laws in the country while other private satellite TV channels have to operate under the strict regulations of the government.

TRAI had permitted such channels to broadcast in 2008.