The Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (TATT) has published “Framework on Over-the-Top Services (OTTs) in Trinidad and Tobago” (PDF ; 459K) for comment until September 26 2022.
In the proposed framework, TATT defines Over the Top Services as
“Content, service or application, accessed by the public via the Internet, that may be a direct substitute for, and/or may compete with a public telecommunications and/or broadcasting service.” and that the scope of the proposed Framework is limited to OTT communications (voice and messaging) and OTT media services.
Some popular examples of OTT communications include
- WhatsApp (including WhatsApp video and audio calling)
- Skype
- iMessage
- Google Messages
- FaceTime
Some popular examples of OTT media services include
- Netflix
- Disney+
- YouTube
- HBO Max
According to TATT, “This Framework presents the Authority’s proposed strategies and recommendations to address OTT services accessed in Trinidad and Tobago.”
“The Framework is intended to:
- present the definition of OTTs adopted by the Authority.
- outline the policy considerations for OTTs, including challenges and opportunities
- examine approaches adopted internationally and their relevance within the local context.
- present the Authority’s short-term and long-term strategies for addressing OTTs within its legislative framework.
- propose recommendations for the harmonisation of OTT-based policies and regulations at the regional level.
- explore options for OTT providers’ investment within the industry, inclusive of infrastructure and local content development.”
Therefore this document sets out how Trinidad and Tobago users will be able to interact (or not) with OTT services in the future.
Interested persons are asked to submit comments on this document in accordance with the TATT’s Public Consultation Comment Submission Form on or before Monday 26th September 2022.
