OTTs refuse telcos’ call for regulation, claim existing laws are sufficient

Over-the-top (OTT) communication providers such as WhatsApp, Google’s RCS and Telegram have rejected the telcos’ demand to bring OTTs under a licensing or authorisation regime, stating that apps are already regulated under the Information Technology Act (2000).

Industry bodies representing the OTT players, in response to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s (TRAI) consultation paper seeking inputs on service authorisations under the newly passed Telecommunications Act, have cautioned against bringing the apps under regulation.