Telcos should also pay OTT platforms, BIF urges govt

Amid the ongoing debate on over-the-top (OTT) versus telecom providers, the Broadband India Forum (BIF) sent a letter to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), saying that if the concept of paying network access charges is to be accepted, the telcos should also pay the OTT platforms.

The BIF letter to the government came after telecom industry body Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) said that OTT platforms must contribute towards creating and developing digital telecom infrastructure in India in exchange for using the services.

In the letter addressed to K. Rajaraman, Secretary, DoT, and Chairman, DCC, the BIF said that OTTs are not free riders and are actually responsible for more than 70 percent of the telco traffic.