Colombia’s Communications Regulatory Commission (CRC) and its Ministry of Information and Communications Technologies (MinTIC) have announced the launch of a public consultation focused on OTT (over the top) digital services. It began on 11 December 2024 and will continue until 31 January 2025.
This initiative seeks to collect detailed information on the operation and operation of these digital platforms that use internet networks to connect, communicate or facilitate transactions between users.
OTT services include platforms such as messaging applications, social networks, audiovisual content streaming services, internet calls and e-commerce solutions. These tools have become a key component of the digital ecosystem.
The main objective of this consultation, therefore, is to better understand the impact of OTT services on telecommunications networks and on the user experience. It also seeks to identify opportunities such as the development of the digital ecosystem and encouraging a competitive and sustainable environment. Another area of study will be equitable access and free choice for users – notably evaluating current cooperation agreements.
Investments in technological infrastructure will also be examined, in particular identifying barriers to, and incentives for, the deployment of networks.
The consultation also includes an analysis of current and future investments by telecommunications network and service providers and OTT digital services agents, addressing possible regulatory and technological barriers.
As well as the consultation, the CRC has produced a preliminary report that details the preferences of Colombian households and companies in the use of OTT services during 2024. This study also analyses the total traffic recorded in mobile and fixed networks based on data reported by telecommunications network and service providers. The final study will be presented in its entirety in the first quarter of 2025 and will be accompanied by the analysis of the results of this consultation.
As news resource Mobile Time Latin America points out, Colombia is joining countries like Peru and Brazil where consultations are attempting to understand and adapt to the changing realities of the digital ecosystem.