Video streaming service platforms Hotstar, Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Tiktok have discontinued HD and Ultra HD video transmission through their platforms. The coronavirus has led to a complete lock-down in the country, which has led to the decision taken by these companies. These companies will not be able to access HD or Ultra HD content through mobile networks in these 21 days lock down through online streaming platforms. Sony, Google, Facebook, Viacom18, MX Player, Hotstar, Zee, Tiktok, Netflix and Amazon Prime Video have decided to transmit standard definition (SD) content to remove load on cellular netsavers or mobile networks by April 14.
All these companies have issued a joint statement stating that we have decided to take this decision with immediate effect keeping in view the interest of the national consumer. During these 21 days, users will get video streaming of 480p resolution only on SD quality through mobile network. However, users will continue to receive HD and Ultra HD quality content through broadband connections and Wi-Fi networks as before.
This will reduce the data of consumers and will not load much on the infrastructure of the companies. The decision will be applicable till the next 14 April.
The government has announced a lockdown across the country for 21 days to break the rapidly spreading infection of the corona virus. By April 14, people will remain in their homes. In case of lockdown, people are forced to work from home. People are working in their offices with the help of their mobile data. This has unexpectedly increased the use of data. Some reports say that the Internet network in India can crash due to pressure. However, Internet service providers (ISPs) have expressed full confidence that their network is capable of heavy traffic.
The decision was taken at a virtualer meeting organized by star Disney India chairman Uday Shankar. It includes Sony Entertainment's NP Singh, Google's Sanjay Gupta, Facebook's Ajit Mohan, Vivcom18's Sudhanshu Watts, Amazon Prime Video's Gaurav Gandhi, Nikhil Gandhi of Tick Talk, Ambika Khurana of Netflix, Karan Bedi of MX Player, Varun Narang of Hotstar and Puneet of G India Limited Goenka joined.
The companies said in their joint statement that the telecom industry's unit COAI had urged the mobile consumer to reduce their streaming quality to keep the data network smoothly. There was a huge pressure on cellular network and infrastructure due to video transmission of high resolution, which has been decided. According to COAI, data consumption has shown a growth of 20 to 30 per cent in the past few days. Now, while the entire country is locked down, these data consumption can increase further. Due to which users may face problems like network congestion.
Not only India, the video streaming quality has been reduced through OTT platforms in European countries due to coronavirus. The companies also said in their joint statement that the digital industry is trying to accept the challenge and continue to provide mobile service to the people. So that people do not have to face the problem of connectivity in talking to their loved ones.