Telecom service providers hope that internet calling and messaging apps like WhatsApp, Google Meet, and Telegram will follow the same rules as other service providers. The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) said on Monday that demanding to exclude Over-The-Top (OTT) communication apps from the Telecom Act, 2023 is misleading. This is because various non-sectoral rules also apply to telecom companies, so they fall under similar regulations. COAI members include Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea.

COAI’s Director-General Speaks:

COAI’s Director-General, S.P. Kochhar, stated, “COAI wants to emphasize that national security is extremely important. In this regard, all communication service providers, including OTT-based services, should follow the country’s expected guidelines, just like telecom service providers do.” He noted that telecom companies have made heavy investments in infrastructure for legal interception and monitoring of calls. However, unregulated app-based communication services completely bypass this system, which is a major threat to national security.

S.P. Kochhar added, “This is about regulatory oversight of communication services covered under the Telecom Act, 2023. It’s important to highlight that telecom service providers, regulated by the Telecom Act, are subject to all laws set by Parliament.”

Demands from Telecom Companies:

Telecom companies are asking the government to apply the same rules to calling and messaging apps to create a level playing field, as these rules currently apply to them.