OTT players are 'free riding' on telecom service providers' networks: COAI

BIF on Wednesday wrote a letter to the DoT, saying that if the concept of paying network access charges is to be accepted, the telcos should also pay the OTT platforms

The debate around whether over-the-top (OTT) players should pay telecom service providers has been intensifying. The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) on Thursday said that over-the-top (OTT) players are 'free riding' on the telecom service providers' (TSPs) networks while using the TSPs' consumer base for monetising their services, earning massive profits/benefits.

Industry body Broadband India Forum (BIF) on Wednesday wrote 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.

"This is as ludicrous a suggestion as can be