Telecom service providers expect internet calling and messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Google Meet and Telegram to follow the rules like all other service providers. Industry body Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) on Monday said that seeking to exclude over-the-top (OTT) communication apps from the Telecom Act, 2023 is misleading as they come under the purview of other rules as various non-sectoral rules also apply to telecom companies. COAI members include Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea.
COAI Director General said this
COAI Director General SP Kochar said, ‘‘COAI wishes to state that ‘security of the country’ is of utmost importance and in this regard, all communication service providers, including OTT-based communication services, should follow the requisite instructions of the country, as telecom service providers do.’’ He said that telecom companies have invested heavily in setting up infrastructure for lawful interception (legal approval to listen to calls) and monitoring. Despite this, unregulated application-based communication services completely bypass this mechanism, which is a major threat to the security of the country.
SP Kochar said, ‘‘The matter relates to regulatory oversight of communication services clearly covered under the Telecom Act, 2023. It is important to highlight that TSPs, which are governed by the Telecom Act, are regulated by all the above laws prescribed by Parliament.’’
Telecom companies are making this demand
Telecom companies are demanding that the government should create a level playing field by applying the same rules to calling and messaging apps as it applies to them.
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