COAI says usage fee on OTTs not linked to net neutrality

Mobile telephone operators have opposed the argument {that a} usage cost levy by them on over-the-top (OTT) communication providers suppliers, or communication apps, hampers net neutrality. They reiterated that for the reason that OTT service suppliers use telco networks to present their providers, an inexpensive usage cost ought to be imposed.

The telcos’ views, by business physique Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) comes after the Internet & Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), which has Amazon, Meta and the likes as its members, opposed such a levy, arguing that it goes in opposition to the rules of net neutrality.

“Certain entities with vested pursuits are misdirecting the difficulty of the necessity for a regulatory framework for the communication OTTs and the necessity of usage cost to be paid by OTTs to the TSPs (telecom service suppliers), by bringing within the facet of net neutrality in a deceptive method, to make it a populist concern,” SP Kochhar, director normal, COAI, stated in a press release Monday. The physique identified that net neutrality pertains to non-discriminatory therapy of content material, which has no reference to the usage fee concern.

It stated that the telcos are dedicated to observe the rules of net neutrality – or non-discriminatory entry to the Internet – in accordance with their licence circumstances.