#Coronavirus: Netflix, Amazon, Hotstar Will Stream Poor Quality Videos Because Of This Reason

The lockdown across various UTs and states following the Covid-19 pandemic has caused a surge in online video streaming demand. In the wake of people staying at home, the networks are observing tremendous pressure.

The lower the pressure on the network infrastructure which is crucial for important functions at this hour, the Cellular Operators Corporation of India (COAI) has asked the telecom department and over-the-top (OTT) companies such as Netflix, Hotstar, Voot, and Amazon Prime Video to lower the streaming resolution.

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Strain on the Network Infrastructure!

In the past few days in the country, advisories have been issued by various state governments regarding social distancing, restrictions in terms of workplace, initiatives encouraging Work From Home (WFH), online/ digital education, digital payments/ transactions, online healthcare, wherever possible and other critical requirements to be met through digital means. According To COAI, this sudden surge in digital use is already putting pressure on the network infrastructure of the TSPs.

In its letter to the telecom department and OTT players COAI said, “We believe that during this critical time, it is absolutely essential for the streaming platforms to cooperate with Telecom Service Providers (TSP) to manage traffic distribution patterns which are likely to strain network infrastructure at a time when it is needed for various critical requirements.”

It also read, “It is pertinent to note that the need of the hour is that companies offering streaming platform service and TSPs take joint responsibility to take steps to ensure smooth functioning of the data communication networks to align with other measures being taken in this battle to curb the propagation of the virus.” 

COAI has also asked for lowering the streaming quality from High Definition (HD) to Standard Definition (SD). COAI has requested the same from OTT platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, YouTube and Hotstar, as per reports by ET Telecom.

The body has also urged the OTT players to remove high bandwidth-consuming advertisements and pop-ups and replace them with public announcements on awareness regarding the virus.

Telecom Operators Providing Schemes to Facilitate Work from Home!

COAI’s letter is in sharp contrast with what Airtel had said on the forthcoming load on the network with more people staying at home amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

An Airtel spokesperson told HT earlier this week, “Airtel has built a future ready and highly secure network with adequate capacity to serve the evolving needs of our customers. Given our massive investments in pan India 4G presence, a robust national optic fiber and global submarine cable footprint along with Data Centers, there is sufficient capacity to provide bandwidth on demand to our retail and enterprise customers.” 

Meanwhile, Reliance Jio has launched a ‘Work from Home Pack’ which offers double data to millions of prepaid customers. 

Broadband platforms such as ACT Fibernet and BSNL have introduced special work from home schemes for the fixed line users.

Disney+, Netflix Have Lowered Streaming Quality in Europe!

Many OTT players in Europe like Disney+, Netflix have reduced the streaming quality to prevent internet overflow. Netflix said that this move will help reduce traffic overload by around 25% by simultaneously providing good quality service to the members in Europe.

A Netflix spokesperson said, “The streaming giant will begin reducing bit rates across all our streams in Europe for 30 days.”