DoT to only regulate OTT communication apps

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) plans to regulate only OTT communications apps like WhatsApp, Signal, Google Meet, Facetime and Telegram among others and not the ones that offer content and e-commerce services under the proposed telecom bill.

Officials added that any kind of two-way communication between an app and its users constitute a telecom service, which may be regulated. For example, an app will not need a license from DoT, but its customer support operations which involve calls and messages may be regulated.

The regulation of OTT communication apps will be done primarily keeping the security perspective in mind and it will not focus on revenue raising measures such as licence fees, aiming to not affect the growth of the sector.

According to DoT officials, the draft telecom bill has been put up for public consultation and it required changes to clarify points of confusion, including definition of ‘OTT communication services’. Apart from OTT, other issues or concerns raised by stakeholders will also be addressed.

As per the draft bill, the DoT has brought the OTT communication services under its ambit. In addition, satellite-based communication services, internet and broadband services as well as in-flight and maritime connectivity services are being brought under telecom.