WhatsApp, Skype to be regulated? India crackdown in offing

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) will soon issue a consultation paper on whether over-the-top (OTT) players such as WhatsApp and Skype should come under the ambit of regulation similar to telecom service providers.  

WhatsApp, Skype to be regulated? India crackdown in offing
Trai will soon issue a consultation paper on whether over-the-top (OTT) players such as WhatsApp and Skype should come under the ambit of regulation. Image source: Pixabay
By Mansi Taneja
Updated: Tue, Aug 14, 2018
10:11 am
ZeeBiz WebDesk
RELATED NEWS
Disclosure of Aadhaar number doesn't increase one's digital vulnerability, says Trai Chief Disclosure of Aadhaar number doesn't increase one's digital vulnerability, says Trai Chief
Pesky calls rules: TRAI chief defends its stand, says has mandate to save customers Pesky calls rules: TRAI chief defends its stand, says has mandate to save customers
Who wants telecom spectrum auction? Not the telcos; here is why Who wants telecom spectrum auction? Not the telcos; here is why
Trai reserve price for 5G spectrum set at Rs 492 cr per Mhz, lowers that of 4G band by 43% Trai reserve price for 5G spectrum set at Rs 492 cr per Mhz, lowers that of 4G band by 43%
Aadhaar details leaked after TRAI chief throws breach challenge Aadhaar details leaked after TRAI chief throws breach challenge

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) will soon issue a consultation paper on whether over-the-top (OTT) players such as WhatsApp and Skype should come under the ambit of regulation similar to telecom service providers.

“We will soon issue a paper on regulation for OTT players. It is almost ready. The issue is the same whether such applications should be regulated or not. Though such apps use the network of a telecom service player and are increasing the data consumption, we have to decide if there is any regulatory imbalance,” a senior official from Trai told DNA Money.

WhatsApp and Skype offer voice call which has made a dent in the voice revenues of telecom players. The telcos have been demanding a regulatory regime for OTT applications since last few years.

Back in 2015, a consultation paper was issued on the same subject. But only the issue of net neutrality and differential pricing access of data was addressed by the telecom regulator, leaving OTT aspect outside of it. Though OTT was related to the net neutrality issue, it was not central to it, the official said.

“This is why there is a need to issue a fresh consultation paper on OTT.”

Watch this Zee Business video here:

Voice revenues, which contributed 70% to the revenues of telecom players, have been on a decline majorly because consumers have shifted to messaging on apps and voice calls and a simultaneous consumer shift towards data services.

Not many are in favour of any regulation for OTT apps, as experts say it would stifle the innovation in the industry where content and these applications are the future.

Source: DNA Money

By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. You can find out more by clicking this link

Close