DTH operators provide over ₹11,000 crore against MIB licence-fee demands

DTH operators have made provisions of more than ₹11,000 crore against disputed licence-fee liabilities as of March 31, 2026, in response to demands raised by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB), according to regulatory filings.

The industry is meanwhile awaiting a government decision on reducing the DTH licence fee from the current 8% of adjusted gross revenue (AGR), even as the disputed dues remain locked in litigation.

Tata Play has provided ₹2,331 crore against an MIB demand of ₹4,548 crore and recognised a further ₹3,232 crore as a contingent liability. Bharti Telemedia, which operates under the Airtel Digital TV brand, has provided around ₹4,487 crore, though it has not disclosed the MIB’s demand.