National Broadcasting Policy: Telecom regulator TRAI has ‘good news’ for OTT players Netflix, Amazon Prime and others

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has a good news for OTT platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, Jio Cinema and others. Releasing its recommendations on ‘Inputs for formulation of National Broadcasting Policy-2024’, it has recommended that there is no need to regulate the OTT platforms in the country. The telecom regulator said that the broadcasting sector is a sunrise sector with huge potential to contribute towards the growth of the economy.
“There is no requirement for establishing a converged legal, administrative, regulatory, and licensing framework.Rather, the focus should be on promoting ease of doing business (EoDB) in the sector by streamlining the process of seeking permissions. One of the ways to promote EoDB is by granting infrastructure status,” the regulator added to the comments made by stakeholders opposing the regulations.

National Broadcasting Policy recommendations by TRAI

The regulator has added policy recommendations to help the OTT industry flourish. Sharing a roadmap for 10 years, TRAI recommends establishing a robust broadcasting ecosystem by enabling growth-oriented policies and regulations through data-driven governance.
It also recommends promoting ease of doing, facilitating level-playing field and healthy competition and stimulating economic growth by enabling the reach of broadcasting services to all.
The TRAI has also shared a vision for the National Broadcasting Policy (NBP) to foster a competitive, affordable and ubiquitous ecosystem for sustained growth of the broadcasting sector, catering to the diverse needs of consumers. It also aims to develop resilient indigenous infrastructure, adopt emerging technologies, and generate employment among others.
Mission of NBP 2024, as recommended by TRAI, should be to combat piracy and safeguard the rights of content creators and intellectual property holders through copyright protection. It also recommends to encourage Indian content outreach at the global stage. It also intends to promote quality content for television and OTT broadcasting services by encouraging the proliferation of Indian content, both locally and globally.
The TRAI policy recommends promoting Indian content production through films, animation, visual effects, gaming and music. The telecom regulator has also recommended to develop OTT platforms by Prasar Bharati for the promotion of the content of Doordarshan and AIR channels.