- By Vikas Yadav
- Mon, 26 Aug 2024 06:14 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The Indian government's Department of Telecommunications (DoT) does not plan to regulate any OTT communication services such as WhatsApp, Telegram and similar platforms under the new Telecommunication Act, 2023, officials confirmed to The Economic Times. Based on the information in the report, the definition of 'telecommunication' does not include such apps.
According to ET, the latest clarification comes in the backdrop of the demands of the telecom service providers to the state to regulate such communication applications and measure them with the same lens as the telecom services. While telcos interpret the definition of the new regulations include these apps, OTT players contest the claim while iterating their regulation umbrella under the Information Technology Act.
The official told the news outlet that the "interpretation of the definition is not as simple" and this may lead to different understanding by stakeholders. More details are expected to be clarified after all the rules of the Act are notified. However, the official added: "DoT though does not intend to regulate OTT players."
The Telecommunication Act 2023 defines "telecommunication" as a medium of transmission, emission or reception of messages using wire, radio, optical or other electromagnetic systems. The report said An electromagnetic system implies the switch should be engaged (independent of the network) for the transmission of messages.
In OTTs' case, "the message is transmitted through data packets, and the switching is done for the packets, which the customers are already paying for. The service is being provided by the telcos by taking their packets," another official noted. The Telecom Act aims to regulate the licensed telecom companies.
On the other hand, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology will decide whether to regulate such apps via the Digital India Act or any other regulations, the official was quoted as saying. Meanwhile, the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) claimed in a recent submission to TRAI that the OTT communication services were covered under the new Telecom Act.