Reliance Jio Opposes Regulation of OTT Content Services Under Telecom Act

Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd has reportedly opposed the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s (TRAI) proposal to subject OTT content services to the Indian Telecommunications Act, 2023.  

In its counter-comments, Jio argued that OTT content platforms differ significantly from telecom operators and Distribution Platform Operators (DPOs) like cable TV and DTH. 

It emphasized that OTT platforms deliver content via the public internet and are already governed by the Information Technology Act, 2000. Jio further stated that applying the “same service, same rules” principle to OTT content services is unwarranted.  

This stance aligns Jio with companies like Netflix, Amazon, Universal Studios, and Warner Bros. which have also opposed the proposal, arguing they do not fall under TRAI's jurisdiction.  

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In contrast, Bharti Airtel and other stakeholders support regulating OTT platforms delivering broadcast-like content through broadband or mobile, citing regulatory parity with licensed DPOs. 

Airtel also called for Prasar Bharti’s OTT platform, WAVES, to be included under the same framework, highlighting concerns over discriminatory access to broadcast content across delivery mediums.  

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The debate underscores differing views on balancing innovation and regulatory frameworks for digital content delivery.

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