Telco operators ask Trai to bring OTT apps under licensing framework

Telecom operators, in their latest submission to sector regulator Trai, have unanimously demanded to bring over-the-top apps like WhatsApp, Signal and Telegram within the ambit of the licensing regime under the new Telecommunication Act.

Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea and industry body COAI — in their comments on the consultation paper issued by Trai, seeking views on the framework for service authorisations to be granted under the Telecommunications Act, 2023 — have said that the calling and messaging apps should be brought under services to be provided through authorisation.