OTT players must pay to use the telecom service provider's network: COAI

The over-the-top (OTT) platforms must contribute towards creating and developing digital telecom infrastructure in India in exchange for using the services, the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) said.

"Any entity which creates a property or infrastructure by investing funds, is entitled to take usage charges (rent /lease charges, etc.) from the user of that property or infrastructure who uses the same for commercial purposes," they said in the letter to the telecom secretary.

COAI added that the government must provide a legal framework to enable the service providers to charge any user that uses their services.

The body suggested