No licensing regime for OTT apps: Govt

NEW DELHI: The government has decided not to bring over-the-top (OTT) communication apps such as WhatsApp, Skype, and Telegram under the licensing regime. According to sources, the exclusion of OTT apps from the consultation process during the formation of the Telecom Bill makes it impossible to subject them to any licensing.

The Cellular Operators Association of India, which represents Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea, has been pushing for the inclusion of OTTs under the licensing regime, citing similarities in the services offered.