Regulating OTT Communication Apps: TRAI Extends Deadline For Comments On Consultation Paper

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has extended the date for submitting comments on its consultation paper on regulating over-the-top (OTT) communication apps to September 1.

Earlier, the last date for sending written comments on the issues raised in the consultation paper was August 4 and for counter comments was August 18.

“Keeping in view the request of stakeholders for further extension of time for submission of comments, it has been decided to extend the last date for submission of written comments and counter comments up to 01.09.2023 and 15.09.2023 respectively,” TRAI said in a statement.

The telecom regulator released the much-awaited consultation paper on regulating OTT communication apps in the country in July. The paper broadly covers two aspects – identification of a regulatory mechanism to cover OTT communication apps and the examination of issues related to selective banning of such apps.

The major takeaways of the paper include exploration of themes such as the need for selective banning of OTT communication apps, such as Meta-owned WhatsApp, Telegram and Google Meet, as well as lawful interception of messages by authorities.

The paper has raised questions like if there is a need for a collaborative framework between OTT communication apps and licensed telecommunication service providers, as well as sought clarity on the potential challenges that can arise out of such a framework and its impact on net neutrality, consumer access and consumer choice.

The government began consultations on the process of regulating OTT communication apps last year and introduced the much-awaited draft Telecommunication Bill, 2022 to replace the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933, and the Telegraph Wires Act, 1950.

It must be noted that OTT apps and telecom operators have already been involved in a war of words. Earlier, the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) said that OTT communication service providers should pay a network usage charge to the telecom operators. Opposing this demand, the Internet & Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) called the revenue sharing plan a ‘death knell’ for the country’s digital economy.