The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has reportedly approached the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), seeking its views on framing a framework for regulation of Internet messaging and voice calling applications. According to a report, this rule may be directed at over-the-top (OTT) service providers such as Meta-owned WhatsApp, Signal, Google Meet and other apps and services. Telecom operators in India have for years asked TRAI to ensure that its rules for telcos apply to services that offer similar calling and messaging functionality.
TRAI’s earlier recommendations on Internet telephony were not accepted by the Department of Telecommunications, which subsequently sought a comprehensive reference on Internet telephony and OTT service providers that allow users to make calls and send messages over the Internet, as per PTI According to a report by citing an unnamed Govt. Officer.
TRAI had earlier said that there was no need to regulate OTT services, and DoT last week sought fresh recommendations from TRAI in light of the changing environment with new technologies. At that time, TRAI recommended that Internet Service Providers (ISPs) may provide Internet telephony for making calls over phone networks, if they pay interconnection charges (which have since lapsed for telecom operators). and install legitimate interception equipment as reported. ,
The government is yet to officially announce the plan to regulate OTT service providers.
Significantly, TRAI has been facing pressure from telecom operators for many years regarding the regulation of OTT players in the country. Telecom companies have argued that these services should pay license fees and be subject to the same rules relating to lawful interception and quality of service.
