The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has taken a big step regarding free audio and video calling done through apps like WhatsApp, Telegram. In fact, telecom operators Airtel, Jio, Vodafone-Idea have repeatedly demanded a ban on calling done through these apps, to which the Department of Telecommunications has responded. DoT has refused to impose any kind of ban on calls made through these apps for the time being. Due to this, telecom companies have suffered a big setback.
DoT made it clear
DoT has made it clear regarding calling done through social media apps that the government will not stop it for now. Telecom operators had said that the new Telecommunication Act should also apply to apps like WhatsApp and Telegram. OTT apps also need to be regulated, as they also provide calling services. However, OTT players said that they are already following the rules of DoT.
DoT said that the interpretation of OTT regulation is not simple. This is the reason why stakeholders are understanding it in their own way. Things will become clear after some time, when all the rules will be completely clear in it. At present, DoT has no intention to regulate OTT. Only telecom operators who have obtained license through Telecom Act can be regulated. There is no interpretation of regulating OTT in it.
TRAI and COAI have presented consultation paper
Telecom companies as well as Telecom Regulatory Authority (TRAI) and Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) have already presented consultation paper to regulate OTT. Keeping in mind the interests of users and the security of the country, agencies and the government are brainstorming on this. The IT and Electronics Ministry will finally decide on how to regulate OTT. In July last year, TRAI had talked about controlling these apps in its consultation paper.
