PTA Considering to Regulate Mobile Apps and OTT Services

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is in view of regulating the mobile apps and OTT services such as WhatsApp, Viber and Skype, etc, official sources revealed.

PTA Considering to Regulate Mobile Apps and OTT Services

Sources said the exemplary for transfer of Internet-based VoIP and other OTT services is basically diverse from the earlier model. Thus most regulatory systems designed in conformity with the previous model are not suitable when applied in this context. The offered amendment to the authorizing agenda will address this matter in the long term.

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PTA is working on a framework through which it anticipates to be able to control mobile apps and OTT facilities. It has instituted a group which is working on the said framework. The framework will be shared with shareholders counting telecom operators as soon as it is ready.

The committee was tasked to articulate approvals. Through which OTT services, mostly the mobile apps, will be brought under regulation in Pakistan. PTA informed that all efforts for getting a framework for regulating OTT are compelled by the Telecom Policy 2015. The Ministry of Information Technology accepted and dispensed the policy.

Telecom Policy 2015 said the framework will allow the government to ensure that such mobile apps are coherent with national welfare.

PTA, in consultation with federal government and stakeholders, will develop proper regulatory framework to treat VoIP and other OTT services. The framework will take account of the opportunity that service providers proposing such services may sooner put in equipment in Pakistan where probable.

In view of the internationally evolving revenue sharing provisions between local licensees and OTT players, licensed access benefactors will be able to enter into conjoint agreements with the service providers. Which will empower them to monetize OTT service delivery on reciprocally decided terms.

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