According to Khalid Arain, Chairman of the Cable Operators Association of Pakistan, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) is considering taking action against over-the-top (OTT) platforms such as Netflix following the conclusion of the Eidul Azha holiday.
Arain shared that a productive meeting taken place between cable operators and senior Pemra officials, during which the concerns of the cable operators effectively communicated.
“Our broadcasting capabilities are restricted, and we face limitations in airing various channels. However, OTTs enjoy the freedom to showcase popular channels,” Arain expressed, alluding to the internet-based streaming platforms that provide content over the web.
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Arain stressed the cable operators’ request for regulatory measures to implemented for operators offering both internet and cable services.
He announced that Pemra had responded positively to the demands of the cable operators. A dedicated committee within Pemra will formed to address the licensing of cable operators and launch a crackdown on OTT platforms after the culmination of Eid ul Azha.
Arain also advocated for tax exemptions in the cable sector, drawing a parallel to the solar power industry. He suggested that taxes on cable operators should eased, although he did not provide specific reasoning or justification for this proposal.
Additionally, he highlighted an apparent inequity in which the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) collects Local Loop license fees from cable operators in US dollars, while subscribers make payments to cable operators in the local currency.
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Arain argued that this situation is unfair, attributing it to the existing exchange rate between the rupee and the dollar.
As the potential crackdown on OTT platforms looms, the cable operators’ association awaits the establishment of the Pemra committee to address their concerns. This development signals a potential shift in the media landscape, raising questions about the future of OTT platforms and their regulation in Pakistan.