The Open Source Foundation for Nigeria
(OSFON) has counselled the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) in the country to
look elsewhere in effort to balance their books, instead of tinkering of how to
block Nigerian telecom consumers from usage of Over-The Top (OTT) platforms,
reports ITRealms.
OTT is one of the value added services
(VAS) accessible over a given network service provider. OTT includes audio,
video, and other media content delivered over the Internet without the
involvement of a multiple-system operator (MSO) in the control or distribution
of the content, which include WhatsApp, Skype and other Instant Messaging
services as well as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). OTT refers to content
from a third party that is delivered to an end-user, with the Internet Service
Provider (ISP) basically transporting Internet Protocol (IP) packets.
Reacting to this development, OSFON
through its National President, Mr. Dele Ajisomo, called for caution, noting
that the news reports that MNOs are lobbying the government through the
regulator the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in efforts to block the
usage of OTT platforms among Nigerians, negates the values embedded in openness
of technologies which paves the way for network neutrality.
According to him, the principle of network neutrality is
that Internet service providers should enable access to all content and
applications regardless of the source, and without favouring or blocking particular
products or websites.
OSFON
emphasized that OTT cannot work comfortably without data, which are sold by the
Internet Service Providers (ISPs), urging MNOs to be innovative and not limit
their service offerings to data alone.
The group noted that the issue
involves open and free Internet, freedom of the Internet, freedom of speech and
information, in addition to access to free and open source technologies and/or software
among others.
The MNOs, OSFON said, should look for
other ways to balance their books and not by restricting Nigerians and their
freedom to open, affordable and innovative technologies.
OSFON pointed out that access to the
Internet is a human right and Nigerians will fight to keep this access,
insisting that “It is actually inhumane for the MNOs to suggest blocking
subscribers from any free and open technical and innovative products on the
Internet.”
For the regulators and Nigeria
Government, OSFON said, it is an unthinkable idea, because for some Nigerians “it’s
the only means of communication with their loved ones.”
“OTT is the only way to communicate to
their old age parents in the village. Nigerians in the diaspora also depend on
Skype and WhatsApp to talk or see their families in Nigeria,” OSFON president
said.
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