Restricting linear TV on OTT weakens Bangladesh’s digital future

Bangladesh's media landscape has undergone a massive transformation with the emergence of Over-the-Top (OTT) platforms.

These platforms have changed how people in Bangladesh enjoy their favourite movies, shows, and digital content, providing the audience with unprecedented access to a wide range of local and global content. Once, people relied on scheduled programming with very rigid and limited options; now, the audience can choose what to watch, when to watch, and how to watch. Despite the growth of OTT platforms in Bangladesh, the industry has not yet reached its full potential, mainly due to the exclusion of linear TV from these platforms, which has raised concerns about digital inclusion and accessibility.

In this day and age of rapid digitalisation, mobile phones have become the go-to medium for news, entertainment and any information. With Bioscope introducing live TV channels in 2016 and Toffee joining in 2019 with over 100 channels, it has been a groundbreaking development. It revolutionised watching television for people with the realisation that watching linear TV on OTT platforms can be much more convenient and comfortable than conventional cable services. Unlike traditional television sets, internet TV allows people to watch their favourite shows or sports anytime, from anywhere, with just a stable internet connection, even when they are on the go.

However, the popularity of these services hit a roadblock in Bangladesh, primarily due to regulatory uncertainties. The ambiguous legal framework and regulations have led to the suspension of linear TV channels on OTT platforms, making it one of the industry's most pressing challenges. Even when channels were permitted to stream again under strict control, the whole regulatory climate remained very unclear and unpredictable. These uncertainties in the regulatory framework have left the audience and platforms confused, hindering the development of what could have been a successful and thriving digital ecosystem.

On the other hand, globally, there are many examples of incorporating linear TV into OTT platforms. For instance, HULU offers both on-demand content and live streaming of linear channels. News, entertainment, and educational content are all accessed via a single platform. YouTube TV also presents a similarly robust example with instant access to a wide range of live TV channels as well as unlimited digital video recording services – using just a stable internet connection. These models demonstrate that with the proper infrastructure and regulatory support, combining linear TV with OTT services can enhance user experience and increase people's access to information.

Such access to information is the cornerstone of a knowledge-driven society. Linear TV's availability on OTT platforms has the potential to democratise information dissemination and make news, educational and cultural content more accessible for all. This is particularly crucial in Bangladesh, where rural communities face numerous infrastructural limitations. 

The widespread use of mobile internet has created unprecedented opportunities for citizens to access information at any time and from anywhere. With the inclusion of linear TV on OTT platforms, the government can provide citizens with continuous access to information, fostering more informed and engaged citizens. Rural students would be able to access educational channels on their mobile phones, supplementing their learning and bridging the gap between rural and urban education. News networks provide citizens with up-to-date information on current events, ensuring better participation of the people.

The delinking of linear TV from OTT platforms is directly contradictory to the government's overall agenda for digital inclusion. This exclusion creates unnecessary barriers to accessing information. With the projected annual growth rate of 10.80% (expected through 2029) for the OTT market in Bangladesh, the economic implications cannot be ignored either. The restrictive regulatory stance may impede the growth of a sector that has enormous potential to contribute to both the economy and society.

The integration of linear TV into OTT platforms in Bangladesh is more than just a technological shift—it is a vital step toward ensuring equitable access to information and building a truly knowledge-based society. This initiative aligns closely with the government's digital inclusion goals and reflects global best practices in content accessibility and innovation.

To widen access to over 10,000 pieces of content, Toffee has been included in all 7-day and 30-day Banglalink data bundles, effective from May 27. This move makes linear TV content more accessible than ever before. It's time to embrace this opportunity, break down barriers to information, and fully unlock the potential of Bangladesh's OTT ecosystem—empowering citizens and driving our digital future forward.