Telecom operators have been at loggerheads with OTT communication apps for a long time. Voice and messaging services have been key revenue generators for telecom players since their heydays, but have plummeted to record lows owing to the rising usage of OTT communication apps.
OTT apps provide free audio and video calling at the supposed expense of telcos, leaving only data revenue in the kitty of telecom operators. Another bone of contention appears to be the heavy licensing regime prevalent for telecom companies. While telcos have to acquire spectrum licences and deploy heavy capital expenditure to provide services, OTT apps such as WhatsApp and Telegram can just provide those services without any permit or overseeing authority.
Last month, the DoT sent a reference to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and began consultations on the regulation of OTT communication apps. These proceedings were part of wider deliberations to prevent the misuse of the technology in an evolving digital landscape.
Interestingly, this comes at a time when authorities have tightened their screws around social media platforms in the recent months. Earlier on Wednesday, the Centre told the Delhi High Court that it would introduce a framework to regulate social media platforms ‘at some point in time’.
Earlier today, the Minister of State (MoS) for Electronics and Information Technology Rajeev Chandrasekhar said that the final version of the IT Rules, 2021 with the new data norms is set to be unveiled soon.
This adds to the growing set of problems for OTT communication apps and social media platforms. While India is a huge market, regulatory overreach could play a spoilsport for these companies. Despite this, India continues to be a huge market for these apps as both WhatsApp and Telegram count India as its biggest market across the globe.
