The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has been attempting to manage OTT (over-the-top) communication platforms reminiscent of WhatsApp, Sign and Telegram. TRAI even launched a session paper across the similar some time again. Now, TDSAT (Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal) has mentioned that OTT platforms are out of the purview of TRAI as they don’t require any license or permission from the central authorities. It’s price noting that TDSAT’s interim order, which got here on October 4, 2023, did not focus solely on the OTT communication platforms, however typically each OTT platform that operates in India.
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The OTT platforms are ruled by the Info Expertise Guidelines, 2021, notified by the Ministry of Electronics and Info Expertise (MeitY), which TDSAT has maintained, in keeping with an IndianExpress report.
For the unaware, the All India Digital Cable Federation (AIDCF) filed a petition alleging that Star India is indulging in a discriminatory transfer (as per TRAI rules) by permitting free streaming of the Cricket World Cup 2023 matches on Disney+ Hotstar whereas the identical isn’t free for its members, who’re the cable TV operators.
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The demand from AIDCF was to cease Star India from providing free streaming of cricket matches. However TDSAT has mentioned in its interim order that since OTT platforms do not come beneath the purview of TRAI, its rules additionally do not apply to them. Therefore, this isn’t a discriminatory follow beneath the TRAI guidelines. Which means Star India can proceed to supply free streaming of the cricket matches on Disney+ Hotstar. Whereas for anybody who needs to look at it by way of Star Sports activities, must pay for the channel.
This may undoubtedly harm the revenues of the cable TV operators who had been anticipating a bump in viewership owing to the recognition of the Cricket World Cup.
