TRAI excludes Google, WhatsApp, Telegram and others from new licensing rules
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The new recommendations advocate for a single, unified authorisation system across different services and regions – a “One Nation One Authorization” framework.
As per TRAI recommendation, any entity that holds this authorisation can provide mobile service, internet service, broadband service, landline telephone service, long distance service, satellite communication service, Machine to Machine (M2M) and internet of Things (IoT) service on a pan India basis.
What are TRAI’s proposals related to satellite-based services
Furthermore, TRAI’s proposals include enabling satellite-based services to offer voice calling and messaging features, broadening the spectrum of services available within the telecom sector. The regulatory body also advocates for the shared utilisation of both active and passive infrastructure amongst service providers – which can potentially result in greater efficiency and a decrease in operational expenses.
Additionally, in a move to ease the financial strain on telecom operators, TRAI has suggested the gradual elimination of entry fees during the process of authorization renewal.
What telecom operators told TRAI
The exclusion comes despite pressure from telecom companies like Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea that wanted these platforms to be regulated in a simialr fashion as the traditional telecom services.
According to a report by Economic Times last month, the telcos asked TRAI to create licences or permissions for OTT (over-the-top) communication apps, arguing that they provide similar services to what mobile phone operators offer.
Meanwhile, OTT apps opposed this, claiming that they are already regulated under the Information Technology Act.
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