TRAI aims to Regulate Whatsapp, Telegram & Other OTTs

Lahoti said Trai has only recommended the framework that should be implemented under the Telecommunications Act 2023 for allowing the provisioning of services

TRAI Chairman RC Lahoti announced that the telecom regulator's immediate focus will be on determining the pricing of satellite spectrum, delaying discussions on the regulation of over-the-top (OTT) apps such as Google Meet, Telegram, and WhatsApp. Lahoti explained that TRAI is preparing to release a consultation paper in the coming days, which will provide details on how the spectrum for satellite communication will be priced. This marks a significant step in India's growing satellite communication landscape, which has been expanding rapidly with the increasing demand for connectivity in remote and underserved regions.

"Our team has been fully engaged in a major task to recommend a new regulatory framework, but we are now shifting our attention to formulating recommendations for satellite spectrum pricing," Lahoti said. The move reflects TRAI's efforts to prioritize the efficient use of satellite resources, which will be critical as satellite communication services play a growing role in India’s telecommunications infrastructure, especially in areas where terrestrial networks are not feasible.

In addition to spectrum pricing, Lahoti highlighted TRAI's recent work on a new framework designed to streamline service provisioning under the Telecommunications Act 2023. The framework is aimed at simplifying regulatory processes, making it easier and less costly for telecom operators to provide services across the country. This includes proposals to ease the burdens of compliance and accelerate the rollout of new services, particularly in areas where regulatory complexity has previously slowed progress.

Regarding the regulation of OTT platforms, Lahoti clarified that these services were not included in the newly proposed framework. However, discussions on whether OTT apps should be regulated under the Telecommunications Act 2023 will take place separately. "For now, our focus is on satellite spectrum pricing," Lahoti noted, indicating that while the regulation of OTT services is on TRAI's radar, it will be addressed at a later stage.

The new framework proposed by TRAI simplifies service provision through the introduction of three broad categories of telecommunication service authorizations: main service authorizations, auxiliary service authorizations, and captive service authorizations. These categories will make it easier for companies to obtain licenses and provide various telecommunications services while reducing costs and administrative hurdles.

A key feature of this framework is the introduction of the 'Unified Service Authorisation,' which seeks to implement the concept of 'One Nation - One Authorisation' across different services and geographical areas. This means that service providers will no longer need multiple authorizations for different regions or service types, significantly reducing regulatory complexity and enhancing the ease of doing business in the telecommunications sector. This reform is expected to promote faster rollout of services, innovation, and improved access to telecommunications across India.