TRAI likely to release a consultation paper on OTT players by end-February 2015

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is likely to come up with a consultation paper on over-the-top (OTT) players by end-February 2015. With the release of the consultation paper, TRAI will seek views and comments of the public on issues such as a licencing regime for OTT players, revenue sharing mechanisms and net-neutrality.

TRAI will seek comments on whether the present licencing framework of a unified licence can be applied for an OTT services or a new licence should be issued to these players. Also, the telecom regulator is likely to ask for comments on the security conditions that should be imposed on the OTT players and their enforcement by the Indian government, in case the provider is operating from outside India.

Regarding net neutrality, TRAI is likely to seek comments of stakeholders on the sufficiency of the market competition to control non-discriminatory internet access.