Question 1: Is it too early to establish a regulatory framework for OTT services, since internet penetration is still evolving, access speeds are generally low and there is limited coverage of high-speed broadband in the country? Or, should some beginning be made now with a regulatory framework that could be adapted to changes in the future? Please comment with justifications.
Answer 1: It is a little early. Broadband has a huge scope in lifting the Indian masses to a better standard of living simply by the exposure to so much of media. Denying them access is unfair.
Question 2: Should the OTT players offering communication services (voice, messaging and video call services) through applications (resident either in the country or outside) be brought under the licensing regime? Please comment with justifications.
Answer 2: You can't bring them ? I don't really understand how an online based entity could be subject to licesning agreements if it doesn't even fall in the our jurisdiction ?
Question 3: Is the growth of OTT impacting the traditional revenue stream of TSPs? If so, is the increase in data revenues of the TSPs sufficient to compensate for this impact? Please comment with reasons.
Answer 3: When cars were invented, horse riders went out of job. When Emails were invented telegraphs went out of existence. Similarly is the case of Polaroid camera, Kodak, Pagers, Ovens etc. Technology is making them obsolete. Economics tells us that they shouldn't be allowed to nfluence this artificially.
My answer to the remaining questions will be a rehash of the above points. Technology has progressed, and those who didnt have the foresight to see into the future are now left lamenting.
I hope if you are reading this, then please do the right thing. The phone retailers aren't small companies, they are big conglomerates, that can easily survive through this by venturing into other fields.