The Commonwealth coordination meeting at the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly 2016, the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO) has launched a global study on over-the-top (OTT) services.
The study is based on a mandate issued by the Commonwealth ICT Ministers in June 2016. The study aims to understand the market dynamics and policy and regulatory issues of OTT’s, both in the context of their impact on traditional business models and of opportunities for innovation and stimulating economic growth.
Adopting a multi-stakeholder approach, the first stage of the study will gather the views of policy makers, regulators, network operators, OTT service providers, consumers and others via an online survey. The outcomes of the survey will be available by the end of 2016 which will provide the foundation for further consultations; national, regional and global, with a view to identifying key interests, concerns and issues with the final report due by the second quarter of 2017.
Speaking on this occasion Mr. Shola Taylor, Secretary-General of the CTO said, “I cannot think of a more appropriate forum than WTSA 16 to launch this initiative, on a technology that holds much promise while impacting on complex interests. As an intergovernmental organisation that has served its stakeholders for over 100 years and steeped in the principles of the Commonwealth, one of which is working on the basis of consensus, the CTO is ideally placed to carry out this study. We look forward to the active participation of stakeholders, from the Commonwealth and beyond, so that the study will truly reflect the need of the Global ICT sector and addresses its priorities.”
Responding, Dr Fidelis Onah, Director of Technical Standards and Network Integrity of the Nigerian Communications Commission said “we are pleased that the CTO is undertaking this study as it is well positioned to capture the views of countries in all stages of development through its diverse membership network. I am certain that the outcomes will help guide the utilisation of OTTs in a manner that is fair and equitable to all stakeholders.”
