Reliance Jio, Airtel, and Vi have have asked TRAI to make new rules for messaging platforms.
These telecom operators have asked TRAI to regulate the OTT communication apps as their services closely compete with theirs.
As per these telecom operators, this is the first significant change in the licensing regime in 30 years since 1994.
The biggest telecom operators of the country such as Reliance Jio, Airtel, and Vi have knocked on TRAI’s doors and have asked the regulatory authority to make new rules for messaging platforms such as WhatsApp, Google’s RCS, and Telegram. The telecom operators have asked for this stating that these platforms provide services similar to theirs and hence they should be required to seek permissions or licences.
Also read: Airtel vs Jio vs Vi: Best 1GB data per day plans
Why are Jio, Airtel, and Vi doing this?
As per a report by the Economic Times, these telecom operators have asked TRAI to regulate the OTT communication apps as their services closely compete with theirs. Further, they raised concerns about how ever since these apps came, their services have declined whereas these apps have thrived and multiplied. As per the telecom operators, the reason behind this is the absence of any regulations or barriers for them, and their instant access to a global audience via the internet. They went ahead to say that these apps have become substitutes for text and voice services.
On the other hand, these apps deny all these complaints that the telecom operators have raised. They said that they are already being regulated under the Information Technology Act.
The same ET report further reveals that Jio, Airtel, Vodafone, and Idea have supported TRAI’s proposal to remove the existing telecom licensing and bring a pan-India single license, namely Unified Services Authorisation (National). As per them, this is the first significant change in the licensing regime in 30 years since 1994. It will help them in business, cut costs, and reduce litigations.
But at the same time, they have asked that the new regime should not disrupt the current structure and asked that the internet service providers (ISPs) not be allowed to provide leased lines/VPNs.
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Mustafa Khan
Mustafa is new on the block and is a tech geek who is currently working with Digit as a News Writer. He tests the new gadgets that come on board and writes for the news desk. He has found his way with words and you can count on him when in need of tech advice. No judgement. He is based out of Delhi, he’s your person for good photos, good food recommendations, and to know about anything GenZ. View Full Profile
