Please wait while we enable your Account

0%

Contacting Amazon Web Services
Deploying Cloud Servers, Storage, Transcoding & Database Servers
Deploying Global CDN
Deploying Firewall & Enabling Security Measures
Deploying the CMS & Admin Module
Deploying Website, Mobile & TV Apps framework
Creating your FTP account
Finishing up all the modules
Preparing for launch

TRAI proposes regulatory framework for OTT services : Net Neutrality just landed in India

Roshan Dwivedi Published on : 02 April 2015

 

OTT Services

As Net Neutrality continues to scorch earth for telecom operators and ISPs alike all over the globe, and following the recent 3-2 Democrat-Republican voting victory for Net Neutrality in the United States, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has called for a consultation on a proposed regulatory framework for Over The Top services like WhatsApp, Skype and Viber.

Over The Top services, despite of their growing popularity among Indian users, have been a source of displeasure for local telcos, who want to earn higher revenue from such services beyond the charges incurred for data. Chat and voice calling apps like WhatsApp and Skype are often more popular than similar offerings by local carriers. OTT instant messaging services are free, and eat into SMS revenues of operators.

The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has been demanding regulations for OTT operators. Recently Bharti Airtel had announced differentiated pricing for voice calls over the internet but pulled back the plan after online protests by users who said Airtel was violating the principles of net neutrality. Regarded as an essential ground for open internet, net neutrality standards mean that mobile carriers should treat all data equally and not impose differential treatment or charges on different kinds of data.

The regulator primarily categorizes its questions in to three categories.

  • Regulatory Imbalances – Copyright issues, Legacy laws, Ownership, Social media’s vulnerability to hacks, Protection of consumer information with e-commerce websites, Data protection issues with cloud services.
  • Impact on the Economy – Impact of OTT on business creation, employment and output, Competition with domestic players, Revenue loss to Telecom Service Providers (TSP).
  • Security Issues – Security implications of VoIP and Instant Messaging Services, Lack of Lawful Intercepts (LI) Policy with OTT services, Lack of harmony in and due to offshore OTT services.

As per TRAI, digitalization of content has reduced conservation, reproduction and distribution costs, which, in turn, has promoted the explosive growth in the supply of online content. Paradoxically, the broadband networks provided by incumbent TSPs are used as a platform by the OTT players for the development of new businesses. The growth of traffic apart, the OTT applications have created an increasing demand for faster broadband speed, which translates into a need for huge investments in network up-gradation by the TSPs.

At Muvi, we understand the implications of the regulations and therefore, welcome suggestions, feedback and explanation on the Indian telecom regulator’s proposed draft and the consultation. Comments may be sent to TRAI at advqos@trai.gov.in by 24th April, 2015 and counter comments by 8th May, 2015. The entire request for consultation is available here.

Written by: Roshan Dwivedi

Add your comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Try Muvi One free for 14 days

No Credit Card Required

.muvi.com
Your website will be at https://yourname.muvi.com, you can change this later.

Upcoming Webinar
April 25

8:00AM PST

Keep it Secure, Keep it Safe: Tips and Techniques to Protect Your Video Content

Streaming content security has quickly elevated to the number one priority across the industry. That’s because billions are being lost in live event revenue, such as sporting events, to pirates each year. But securing streaming content from theft isn’t an easy task. There are hundreds of possible vectors, everything from network intrusion to player/app doppelgangers to CDN leeching, through which pirates can obtain and redistribute content. In this webinar, SVTA CEO Jason Thibeault will take a look at some of the more prominent vectors, techniques and tips to mitigate potential problems, and discuss the recent SVTA Security Working Group publication, “OTT Streaming Security Checklist.” 

Why Attend the Webinar:

  • Understand the current state of streaming piracy.
  • Understand some of the more popular ways through which pirates get access to content.
  • Learn some tips and techniques to create a “layered” approach to mitigating piracy.
  • Learn about the new SVTA publication, “OTT Streaming Security Checklist”.

Streaming content security has quickly elevated to the number one priority across the industry. That’s because billions are being lost in live event revenue, such as sporting events,…...

Event Language: English
1 hour