Internet radio in India is a radio service which conducts its transmission through the internet. It is also known as web-casting, online radio, streaming radio, e-radio, net radio and web radio. It comprises streaming media which presents the listeners with a constant stream of audio. Similar to the traditional broadcast media, it cannot be typically replayed or paused. However the difference lies in terms of on-demand file serving. It also bears distinction from podcasting as the latter involves downloading instead of streaming. Various services are offered by internet radio such as talks, sports, news and music of varied genres. Some of the services are also linked with corresponding traditional (terrestrial) radio station or radio network. The concept of internet radio was introduced by Carl Malamud.

Technology of Internet Radio
Internet radio can be accessed from anywhere on the globe as the only requirement for the service is a suitable internet connection. One can listen to the broadcast of a specific country from another country as well. This feature has made this service exceptionally popular amongst the expatriate listeners. However there are some major networks that pose restrictions listening to in-country owing to advertising and licensing issues. Internet radio ideally serves special interests which are not encompassed by the local radio stations.

Devices for Internet Radio
Internet radio can be enjoyed on a personal computer or a similar device. An embedded player program located on the website of the respective station is required. However, nowadays special devices resembling and creating an experience similar to a traditional radio receiver have also been developed. Several applications have also arrived for smartphones, tablets and other similar platforms for enjoying a number of internet radio stations.

Broadcast of Internet Radio
Distribution of Internet radio is largely dependent upon streaming technology which typically uses a `lossy audio codec`. Formats for streaming audio include MP3, HE-AAC, RealAudio, Windows Media Audio, Ogg Vorbis and others. Continuous and serial transmission of audio data occurs over the local network or internet in UDP packets and TCP which are then reassembled at the receiver and are played moments later. This delay is termed as lag which is introduced in various stages of digital audio broadcasting.