TRAI to conduct open house on recommendations on regulatory mechanism for OTT apps

Last year, TRAI had released a consultation paper on the regulatory mechanism for OTT communication services and the selective banning of OTT services.

By  Storyboard18May 17, 2024 5:51 PM
TRAI to conduct open house on recommendations on regulatory mechanism for OTT apps
Acknowledging the telcos’ argument that the increase in OTT traffic is causing network congestion, he mentioned that the increasing clamour from the telecom sector for compensation from OTT (over-the-top) content players needs to be balanced with providing room for growth for OTT providers. (Image sourced from Moneycontrol)

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is working on recommendations on regulatory mechanisms of OTT apps, said its newly appointed Chairman, Anil Kumar Lahoti. The regulator is soon to conduct an open house to share its recommendations, highlighted CNBC Awaaz report.

The regulator last year had commenced the process to chalk out a regulatory mechanism for over-the-top (OTT) apps such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, etc. It was also deliberating on the selective banning of OTT services— after the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) asked the regulator to reconsider its 2020 recommendations, wherein it was proposed that OTT services need not be regulated.

PD Vaghela, the outgoing Chairman of the regulatory body, last year shared that “In 2018, TRAI had recommended that there should be no regulation of OTT players. However, the last five years have seen several changes in the digital landscape.” He also then pointed out that telcos, not just in India, but across the globe, have been pushing for a mechanism under which OTT players compensate them.

Acknowledging the telcos’ argument that the increase in OTT traffic is causing network congestion, he mentioned that the increasing clamour from the telecom sector for compensation from OTT (over-the-top) content players needs to be balanced with providing room for growth for OTT providers.

It is to be noted that telecom service providers have been raising the issue of OTT compensation in public forums. They argue that they have to undertake vast expenses to develop massive telecom infrastructure networks. The pitch from telcos is that since OTT apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, etc, are operating on telecom networks, they should pay for the use of said networks.

In July last year, TRAI issued a consultation paper on the regulation of OTT players. Telcos — Jio, Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea — have made submissions seeking a common regulatory framework for both OTTs and telcos.


Tags
First Published on May 17, 2024 5:51 PM

More from Storyboard18

Digital

With fractional production costs & ad rates just 15% of long-form shows, microdramas see surge in brand interest

With fractional production costs & ad rates just 15% of long-form shows, microdramas see surge in brand interest

Digital

Prime Video’s Multi-Tier Maze: Is Amazon undermining trust in India’s OTT boom?

Prime Video’s Multi-Tier Maze: Is Amazon undermining trust in India’s OTT boom?

Brand Makers

Who is Sanjog Gupta - ICC's new Chief Executive Officer?

Who is Sanjog Gupta - ICC's new Chief Executive Officer?

Brand Makers

Exclusive Break: JioStar's Sanjog Gupta to succeed Geoff Allardice as ICC CEO

Exclusive Break: JioStar's Sanjog Gupta to succeed Geoff Allardice as ICC CEO

Television

Balaji Telefilms bets big on OTT, YouTube to drive growth amid rising screen time

Balaji Telefilms bets big on OTT, YouTube to drive growth amid rising screen time

Digital

Netflix and Spotify discuss partnership on live music content

Netflix and Spotify discuss partnership on live music content

Digital

PVR INOX to add 200 screens in two years with Rs 400 crore investment: Sanjeev Kumar Bijli

PVR INOX to add 200 screens in two years with Rs 400 crore investment: Sanjeev Kumar Bijli

Television

Proxy advisors urge shareholders to block Zee promoters’ Rs 2,237 cr stake hike

Proxy advisors urge shareholders to block Zee promoters’ Rs 2,237 cr stake hike