IN A LETTER to Netflix, Amazon and other OTT video providers, a trio of Canadian associations which represent smaller, independent network operators — the Independent Telecommunications Providers Association (ITPA), Canadian Communication Systems Alliance (CCSA) and Canadian Network Operators Consortium (CNOC) — have asked the streaming services to decrease their video bitrates to temporarily provide relief to their members’ networks.
“Collectively we have seen that OTT video services are contributing to a 20-30% increase of aggregate Internet transit over the last 7-10 days as health organizations and governments are encouraging citizens to stay home to flatten the curve and prevent the spread of Covid-19,” says the letter signed by ITPA executive director Jonathan Holmes, CCSA CEO Jay Thomson and CNOC executive director Jeff Brownlee.
“We are collectively tasked with providing our telecommunication services and maintaining our networks for growth year over year. And we do plan for crisis situations like this in the normal course of maintaining the integrity of our networks. As critical infrastructure providers, we want to deliver every bit and ensure each packet destined to our mutual customers arrives.
“OTT services are part of our shared customers’ in-home digital experience, providing many Canadians comfort and distraction in trying times. Your services are part of that story.
“In light of the current traffic surge, we ask you to adjust offered video bitrates to 1080p or below until at least April 30th, 2020. This will ensure that critical network infrastructure will continue to remain protected and will have an exponential positive impact to the global health of the Internet. Content enjoyed in 4K bitrate can be equally enjoyed in 780p – 1080p variants,” says the letter, noting European telecom service providers have made a similar request, and Netflix, YouTube, Facebook and others have taken steps to mitigate the effects on networks there.
“Taking these steps will immediately reduce impacts felt on network operators in Canada. It will also ensure that our shared customers will be able to collectively enjoy digital services in a responsible manner.
“Please hear our request and honour our mutual customers with your actions,” concludes the letter.
Cartt.ca has asked Netflix for comment on this issue and will have a deeper story on this issue later in the week.
