Here’s a rewritten version of the content in a provocative manner:
“The Telecoms Industry’s Dirty Little Secret: OTTs are Sucking the Life out of Traditional Operators”
Nomvuyiso Batyi, CEO of the Association of Comms and Technology (ACT), blew the lid off the telecoms industry’s biggest secret during a webinar presentation of the industry body’s research paper on OTT services. According to Batyi, the success of OTT services like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Google Meet is dependent on the availability of high-quality, reliable, and efficient network infrastructure… but at what cost?
“The Continued Survival of Traditional Operators Depends on OTT Players Paying Their Fair Share”
As the OTT model continues to dominate the telecoms landscape, traditional operators are struggling to make ends meet. Batyi warned that unless OTT players are made to pay their fair share of infrastructure costs, the very existence of traditional operators is at risk. It’s a call to action that resonates with many in the industry.
“Regulators Must Act: The Time for Talk is Over”
Batyi lambasted regulators for their lack of action on the issue, stating that the Electronic Communications Act and its proposed amendments provide a golden opportunity to address the issue. She urged regulators to take a proactive and inclusive stance in the OTT space, lest they risk being left behind as the digital landscape continues to evolve.
“Time to Get Real: Fair Share Arrangements are the Future of Telecoms”
Batyi outlined three areas where OTT providers could be expected to make a proportional contribution towards infrastructure costs: efficient resource utilisation, commitment to a sustainable ecosystem, and investment incentives. It’s a wake-up call to OTT players and regulators alike: the time for fair share arrangements is now.
“The Bottom Line: OTT Players Must Pay Their Fair Share to Save the Telecoms Industry”
In conclusion, Batyi left no doubt about the gravity of the situation. Unless OTT players are made to pay their fair share, the telecoms industry will continue to decline. It’s a stark warning that will resonate with many in the industry, and a call to action that cannot be ignored.
