OTT Platforms Resist TRAI Regulation, Emphasize Differences from Telecom Networks
Netflix, Amazon, and Industry Groups Challenge TRAI’s Regulation Proposal, Highlighting Content Delivery Networks' Distinction from Traditional Telecom Networks at Open House Discussion
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OTT platforms like Netflix and Amazon, along with content delivery giants such as Universal Studios and Warner Bros., have opposed the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s (TRAI) proposal to regulate their operations. These platforms argue they are not telecom providers and, therefore, fall outside TRAI’s regulatory scope.
Represented by industry groups like the Motion Picture Association (MPA), Asia Video Industry Association (AVIA), Broadband India Forum (BIF), and advisory bodies like Deepstrat and Koan Advisory, these content providers participated in an open house discussion (OHD) to address TRAI's consultation paper on the Framework for Service Authorisations for Broadcasting Services under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
Uday Singh, managing director of MPA India, emphasized the technical distinction, stating that Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) specialize in seamless video delivery using techniques like content caching, video streaming optimization, reduced latency, and load balancing, which differentiates them from traditional telecom operators.
Debashish Bhattacharya, senior deputy director general of BIF, echoed this sentiment, asserting that CDNs do not offer connectivity services and thus do not fall under the definitions provided in the Telecom Act, 2023, or TRAI’s jurisdiction.
The TRAI has announced another open house discussion (OHD) on December 20 to address the consultation paper on the Regulatory Framework for Ground-Based Broadcasters.
