AGCOM proposes new rules for hybrid TV and streaming delivery
November 6, 2026 12.42 Europe/London By Julian Clover


Italian regulator AGCOM has opened a consultation on an overhaul of television authorisation and channel-numbering rules, addressing the growing integration of digital terrestrial broadcasting and internet-delivered services.

The proposals would require viewers to actively choose when moving from DTT into an internet-based service, with an on-screen notice making the transition clear. They also introduce dedicated channel-number ranges for broadcasters providing access to third-party streaming services.

Decision 247/26/CONS, adopted on 21 October and published on 3 November, launches a consultation rather than introducing final regulations. It covers DTT, satellite and online services, channel numbering, interactive applications and conditional access.

A central distinction is between broadcasters distributing their own authorised channel over IP and those using their terrestrial position to give access to other providers’ services.

Under the draft DTT rules, an existing authorisation would also cover delivery of the same channel through advanced or interactive applications, including technologies such as HbbTV and DVB-I. Broadcasters hosting third-party services would need to obtain evidence of those providers’ authorisations and, where they directly manage the access functionality, hold the relevant interactive-services authorisation themselves.

The draft also specifies at least 24 hours of terrestrial programming each week, excluding repeats and still images. AGCOM asks whether that threshold should be increased. Existing operators would have six months after the new rules took effect to introduce the required notices and meet the relevant hybrid-service requirements.

The proposed logical channel numbering plan would reserve positions 650–699 for local broadcasters offering access to third-party IP services. Positions 950–999 would be allocated preferentially to equivalent national offerings.

Existing channel numbers would generally remain valid until the associated authorisations expire. However, operators already using their numbers to provide access to third-party services would have six months to apply for a dedicated position.

Beyond terrestrial broadcasting, AGCOM is consulting on authorisation requirements for satellite, online linear and on-demand services under Italian jurisdiction. The draft distinguishes on-demand catalogues, which would use a general authorisation and notification process, from linear channels requiring separate authorisation.

It also addresses retransmission. Full simulcasts would remain subject to the relevant rights and notification requirements, while partial, altered or commercially overlaid retransmissions would require the original media provider’s explicit consent.

Proposed application-processing charges are €9,000 for satellite and other covered linear services and €7,200 for on-demand services, also applying to renewals and authorisation transfers.

The review follows AGCOM’s investigation into HbbTV and reflects its position that terrestrial capacity and channel numbers must retain a clear relationship with the services they authorise. The regulator also wants editorial responsibility and ownership to remain identifiable as distribution becomes more complex.

Interested parties have 45 days from publication to submit responses, with an option to request a hearing.