The number of internet users is increasing every day, resulting in increase in the data volume. Services like WhatsApp, Facebook, Viber and Hike are most popular free services amongst users. So these service providers are free from paying any tax for using spectrum. Here it is worth noting that these services have nearly eliminated revenues from SMS, while free calling on Skype and Viber (especially from international markets) is hitting their voice revenues.
Vodafone has requested the Indian Government should impose tax on over the top (OTT) players including WhatsApp, Viber, Hike and Facebook as they are enjoying a "free ride" on telecom networks, for which telecom operators are shedding a big amount of money.
Vodafone India MD and CEO Marten Pieters said that there is a need to find a suitable way to ensure the sharing tax "burden".
The telecom regulator TRAI is already looking into the issue after operators expressed concern over the matter.
For social messaging services like Facebook and WhatApp, India is a big opportunity. Facebook has a user base of nearly 100 million and WhatsApp 60 million.
