TRAI assesses particulars of regulating OTT platforms

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India is looking into the costs and benefits of regulating communications apps such as WhatsApp, Skype and Viber in the same way as telcos in light of their growing involvement in economic and security matters. Backers of Net Neutrality have strongly opposed this train of thought by the TRAI. In a paper released on Monday, TRAI sought the views of the industry on which players are providing identical services to mobile phone operators. The telecom regulator wanted to know if these platforms that offer communication services should be treated differently from licensed telcos who are responsible for protecting the data and security of its users.

Additionally, TRAI wanted to know if the regulatory imbalance was hurting investments in the telecom sector especially in expanding capacity and upgrading technology and the role of OTT platforms in infusing investments in the telecom network.

The regulatory body commented that the ground realities have changed from the time a telecom department panel had recommended regulating communication OTTs to prevent cost arbitrage with telcos. Data usage and revenue have surged for telcos due to the popularity of OTT players.