PTA Proposes 15-Year License for Netflix and OTT Services in Pakistan

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has proposed new rules for Over-The-Top (OTT) services, like Netflix, YouTube, and WhatsApp. They are suggesting a 15-year license for these services in Pakistan and the draft for the new rules is available on PTA’s website.

According to PTA, OTT services are things you use on the internet, like messaging apps (WhatsApp), video calls (Zoom), social media (Facebook), and streaming videos (YouTube, Netflix). The PTA’s draft framework divides these services into three groups:

OTT Communication Services (OCS): This includes apps for voice, video, and messaging over the internet, like WhatsApp and Skype. These don’t use traditional phone networks.
OTT Application Services (OAS): These are internet apps that don’t replace phone services but include things like social media, online shopping, health services, education apps, and maps.
OTT Media Services (OMS): These are for audio and video streaming. They are split into two types:
- Broadcasting OTT Media Services: This includes services like PTV and ARY NEWS, managed by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA).
- Non-Broadcasting OTT Media Services: This includes YouTube, Netflix, and Spotify.

The PTA will register and authorize OTT services, except for broadcasting media, which falls under PTA. They will also oversee content and make sure any harmful material is removed.

If a telecom company wants to offer OTT communication services, they must get permission from the PTA. Alternatively, OTT service providers can get a license directly from the PTA. This license will be valid for 15 years. The new rules aim to help manage and grow internet services in Pakistan.

This move causes concern about the future of digital services in the country. By asking for licenses and putting in strict rules, Pakistan might make these companies not want to operate in the country. The main question is, what will happen after these companies get their licenses? Is there a guarantee that their services won’t be banned without warning, like what happened with X (formerly Twitter)? These rules might slow down the growth of digital services in Pakistan, which could affect both businesses and users.

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