A recent article from The Economic Times claimed that comparing OTT (Over-the-Top) services to traditional telecom services is completely wrong, according to the Broadband India Forum (BIF). BIF argues that these two types of services serve different purposes and should not be directly compared.
OTT services refer to content that is delivered over the internet, such as streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. On the other hand, traditional telecom services include voice calls, SMS, and data plans provided by telecom operators.
BIF states that OTT services are primarily focused on content delivery, entertainment, and communication, while telecom services are more about connectivity and infrastructure. The organization believes that comparing the two is like comparing apples to oranges.
While both OTT and telecom services play a crucial role in the digital ecosystem, they cater to different needs and should not be seen as direct competitors. BIF urges stakeholders to understand the distinct functions of these services and to avoid making inaccurate comparisons between them.