Airtel, Reliance Jio, and Vodafone Idea Urge TRAI To Regulate New Rules for WhatsApp, Telegram-Like Messaging Apps: Report

New Delhi, August 12: Telecom giants Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio, and Vodafone Idea have approached the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) with a significant appeal. They are urging TRAI to introduce new regulations for messaging apps like WhatsApp, Google’s RCS and Telegram. According to a reports, these companies want TRAI to create licenses or permissions for these over-the-top (OTT) communication apps.

As per a report of Economic Times, Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea are urging TRAI to introduce new regulations for messaging apps like Google’s RCS, WhatsApp and Telegram. These telecom companies argue that OTT communication apps, which work through the internet, are providing similar services as regular mobile phone operators, but without being regulated by oversight. TRAI Releases Consultation Paper on Audit-Related Provisions of Telecommunication Regulations To Create a Fair, Equitable Environment for All Stakeholders.

The proposed unified license will likely to make operations more efficient, lower expenses and simplify regulations. The goal is to make it easier for companies to conduct business throughout the country, according to a report of Times Now. The telecom companies argue that OTT services have replaced traditional text and voice calls.

The reason for the demand for regulation is that messaging apps are now being used more often instead of regular text and voice calls. However, OTT apps claim that they are already regulated under the Information Technology Act and should not be subjected to additional regulations specific to telecom. According to reports, Airtel pointed out that OTT services have been successful because there are no regulatory barriers and they can reach a global audience through internet connectivity. They argue that these apps should follow similar rules as telecom companies. Apple Smart Glasses in Works Along With Cheaper Version of Apple Vision Pro, Likely To Be Unveiled Next Year: Report.

The telecom companies are reportedly in favour of TRAI's proposal to improve the current telecom licensing system. They support the idea of introducing a Unified Services Authorisation license, which would allow them to have a single license that covers the entire country. It would simplify the licensing process and make it easier for them to operate nationwide.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 12, 2024 01:47 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).