Call it Internet Platforms & Services, says Nasscom

OTTs should appropriately be referred as Internet Platforms and Services in line with the terminology and understanding of computer technologists.

The term “OTT” does not acknowledge the innovation in Internet platforms and services at the application layer, their variety of services and product offering. Instead the term and its usage imply that they are simply methods of serving. This is limiting and Nasscom has advised that in India, OTTs should appropriately be referred as Internet Platforms and Services in line with the terminology and understanding of computer technologists.

Further, the belief that it is Internet platforms and apps that ride over the top of telecom networks is misplaced. It is consumers who use telecom networks to access apps and internet platforms. These consumers have contracts with telecom companies and they are using bandwidth that they have paid for at a price that generates profit for telecom companies. In fact, it is these Internet platforms and apps that make it worthwhile for consumers to use the Internet and therefore pay telecom companies for data packs.

As products and services evolve in the extremely dynamic technology environment, there is a need to recognize the developments and safeguard fundamental rights of citizens. The Information Technology Act is mandated to ensure this. Therefore, there is no need for any additional regulations for content and services on the Internet.

In fact, it would be detrimental to have licensing for communication apps and Internet platforms. There are an estimated 1.5 million apps worldwide and several times more Internet platforms. There is no basis for differentiating between communications services and internet platforms offering communication services and other services. Very many apps incorporate communication as a part of their offering. For example, a classified site or app may offer the buyer a feature of sending a message to the seller and even though communication is not the primary purpose of the app, it is an integral part.