The country's major telecom companies like Jio, Airtel and Vi have recently made an important demand for Over the Top (OTT) apps from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). These companies have recommended making licenses mandatory for internet calling and messaging services along with other services. If this demand of these companies is met, then popular apps like WhatsApp and Telegram may face a big challenge.
Rules made for OTT apps
Telecom companies say that the number of OTT service providers is increasing rapidly and there are no concrete rules for this. With the help of broadband internet, the global growth of these apps has been rapid. Therefore, companies believe that it is necessary to make clear rules for apps providing messaging and calling services.
According to Airtel, these OTT apps have now become an alternative to the major services of telecom operators like voice calling and text messaging. While telecom companies pay a hefty amount for this, these apps are providing calling and messaging facilities to users for free.
Opposition to OTT apps
However, OTT apps have opposed this demand. They say that they are following all the rules of the Information Technology Act and are providing services to the users as per their convenience. According to a report by the Economic Times, telecom companies have demanded changes in the licensing system from TRAI. Along with this, they have also supported TRAI's "one country one license" rule.
What is One Country One License?
"One Country One License" means that there should be a single license system for the whole country. This rule can be implemented under Unified Services Authorization (USAL). Companies say that this rule will provide them a lot of facilities and can also reduce their costs.
Telecom companies have also requested TRAI not to allow leased lines for OTT apps and messaging services. It will be interesting to see TRAI's decision in this matter, as it can have a significant impact on the services of OTT apps and the direction of the telecom industry.
Next step
Now it remains to be seen what decision TRAI takes on this demand and how the balance between OTT apps and telecom companies changes as a result. What impact will the implementation of this new rule have on the services of users is also a big question.
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