Regulate WhatsApp, Skype and Facebook, CAK told

Mobile phone operators want instant messaging and voice over Internet protocol (VOIP) services, such as WhatsApp, Skype and Facebook known as over-the-top service (OTT ) regulated to allow for a fair business environment.

“Players say OTTs are utilising and profiting extensively from the infrastructure put in place by mobile network operators, and are fast degrading the revenues of the companies since they are eating into the companies’ core business, notably voice and text messaging services,” said Christian de Faria, Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Africa.

 According to Mr de Faria, the OTTs are not subject to taxation by various governments on their service since they are seen as ‘value addition services’ whereas they are conceptualised as unique business models, that are unfairly making billions while riding on existing infrastructure owned by other operators.

“We are happy with the data revolution that is taking place, but new players are riding on our infrastructure and investment, and yet they are not subject to the same taxes and regulation regimes as operators. We expect regulators to help,” said De Faria.

The Airtel Africa CEO spoke during the 2015 International Telecommunication Union Global Symposium for Regulators in Libreville, Gabon where he challenged regulators to take action in building a structure that creates an equal playing field.