Reliance Jio against bringing OTT content services under legal ambit

The scope of OTT content services has expanded quickly in the previous few years. However, many complaints have additionally been obtained concerning this content. Reliance Jio, one of many huge telecom firms, believes that there isn’t a foundation for bringing OTT content service under the Indian Telecommunications Act.

Earlier, different stakeholders like Bharti Airtel had stated that over-the-top (OTT) services that ship broadcast content via broadband and cell ought to be introduced under the authorization framework. Along with this, the precept of equal service, equal guidelines ought to be relevant to them. It has been informed in a media report that Reliance Jio argues that this precept doesn’t apply to OTT. However, there was no point out of OTT within the earlier suggestions given by Reliance Jio to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). company Had demanded making regulation for OTT communication. However, Reliance Jio didn’t clarify how the OTT communication platform is completely different from the OTT content platform.

Recently the corporate had introduced a merger with Walt Disney and Viacom 18 Media Private Ltd. Regarding the distinction between OTT and Distribution Platform Operators (DPOs), Reliance Jio in its letter has stated that OTTs are completely different from different DPOs like cable TV, IPTV and DTH as a result of DPOs present broadcasting services via their very own broadcasting networks. The firm had stated that OTT content suppliers present content via the general public web.

Reliance Jio has stated that OTT content services already come under the purview of the Information Technology Act and Rules. In distinction, Bharti Airtel argues that any platform offering content just like a regulated distribution platform ought to be introduced under the identical regulatory regime. Bharti Airtel, the nation’s second largest telecom firm, has additionally demanded to deliver Prasar Bharti’s OTT platform under the authorization framework. Even earlier than this, there was a requirement to deliver content on OTT and the platforms offering these services under the regulatory ambit. Legal instances have additionally been filed concerning this.