Gabon,
June 9th 2015 – Over-the-top service (OTT) providers must be regulated as they
utilize and profit from the infrastructure put in place by mobile network
operators, said Mr. Christian de Faria, Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Africa.
The
Airtel Africa CEO spoke during the 2015 International Telecommunication Union
Global Symposium for Regulators in Libreville, Gabon where he challenged
regulators to take action in building a structure that creates an equal playing
field for all providers.
The
conference, whose central theme is “Mind the Digital Gap – Regulatory
incentives to achieve digital opportunities” runs from June 9th to
11th 2015, in Libreville Gabon. The conference brings together the
leaders of international telecommunications companies and regulatory authorities
to explore ways to drive consumer benefits from the emerging digital economy.
Mr.
de Faria told delegates that OTT players are using operator platforms from
which to offer services that cannibalize mobile network revenues. “Certain OTT
providers understand both the issue as well as the need to work together to
achieve a mutually beneficial solution,” commented de Faria. “We need each
other.”
Mr.
de Faria’s comments sparked a lively debate amongst regulators from around the
world, highlighting the breadth and critical importance of the issue of
determining the role and approach of regulators to ensuring fairness in a
rapidly changing industry. The Airtel Africa CEO’s remarks were echoed by
fellow panelist and operator Mr Bocar Ba, Chief Executive Officer, Samena Telecommunications
Council.
Regulators
in attendance voiced a common position that no single country or regulatory
entity can solve the issue on its own, but rather that a coordinated approach
is required to establish a tariff framework that balances the rights of
consumers and encourages innovation while rewarding investment in
telecommunications infrastructure.
“We
are happy with the data revolution that is taking place, but new players are
riding on our infrastructure and investment, and yet they are not subject to
the same taxes and regulation regimes as operators. We expect regulators to
help,” said Mr. De Faria.
“Just
like all the players in this industry, we seek to increase our footprint by
offering our customers a wider range of products and services. However, we need
a levelled playing field for all operators, as this will not only allow for
equitable competition between over-the-top operators and telecommunications
companies, but will also ensure the investments required to deploy these
technologies are viable,” he continued.
He
added that regulators needed to step in and start treating mobile network
operators as partners. To be successful, Mr. de Faria said, regulators should
consider regulations for OTT players that cover licensing, spectrum, security
and revenues. Should OTT services such as VoIP continue to grow, mobile network
operators will be forced to charge their subscribers a premium fee to access
the services.
“As
network operators, we need OTT businesses as they help us reach a wider market,
while conversely the OTT companies are dependent on our networks to thrive,”
added Mr. de Faria.
“We
are adapting our business models by offering products that incorporate OTT
players because we don’t want to block them, but regulators need to ensure a
level playing field for all. Ultimately, mobile network operators are seeking a
win-win solution in which customers can benefit socio-economically from mobile
connectivity,” said Mr. de Faria.
Comments
Post a Comment