Data delivered over the Internet without using conventional channels is referred to as OTT. OTT communications and OTT content are two such examples.

Over-the-top Content

Directly supplied motion pictures and television programs are referred to as over-the-top programming. OTT material does not call for a cable or satellite television subscription and may be downloaded and watched at any time. HBO Now, Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime are examples of well-known OTT platforms. While they compete less directly with television providers, free sites like YouTube and Vimeo are nonetheless seen as OTT.

OTT providers don't provide a channel list. Instead, viewers must choose their own individual programmes and movies to watch on demand. Although while conventional providers like Comcast and DIRECTV provide both on-demand material and live programming, their monthly prices are often far higher than those of OTT providers. As an alternative to cable or satellite TV, many customers acquire numerous OTT subscriptions since the service is very inexpensive ($8 to $15 per month).

Over-the-top Messaging

Text messaging, often known as SMS texting, has long been the preferred method of communicating with others while using a mobile device. WhatsApp first made it possible to chat other users for free without using SMS in 2009. In place of SMS or MMS, Apple's free texting service called iMessage was released in 2011. Several cellular service providers upped their consumers' monthly texting caps as these alternative messaging services gained popularity, and many plans now provide unlimited messaging.

• NOTE: Internet connectivity, such as cable, DSL, or a cellular data connection, is still necessary for both OTT content and messaging. As a result, a lot of Netflix customers continue to utilize Comcast as their Internet provider.