TRAI says WhatsApp, Telegram not included under new licensing rules

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has said new licensing rules will not include WhatsApp, Google Messages, and Telegram. The regulatory body stated that over-the-top (OTT) services will be excluded from the new licensing regime, which calls for a unified authorisation system across various services and regions to ensure a "One Nation One Authorisation" framework.

The omission of WhatsApp, Google ’s Rich Communication Services-based apps, and Telegram, among other internet-based platforms, will prevent these platforms from widening their services in India. These platforms currently offer internet-based voice and video calls, but cannot expand to other modes of wireless communication-based services, such as satellite communication.

According to a Times of India report, TRAI’s recommendations as part of the new licensing rules will authorise an entity to provide mobile service, internet service, broadband service, landline telephone service, long-distance service, satellite communication service, machine-to-machine (M2M), and internet of things (IoT) service across the country. They have been categorised under three broad categories: Main service, Auxiliary service, and Captive service.

Telecom companies such as Reliance Jio, Airtel, and Vi demanded the inclusion of OTT services in the new licensing regime so they could be regulated. The telecom operators asked TRAI to issue licenses and permissions for such apps as they offer services similar to theirs. Bringing tech and startup companies will also make them eligible for taxation under the new licensing regime. Meanwhile, WhatsApp and other OTT platforms have argued that they already comply with the Information Technology Act.

According to the TRAI’s recommendations, the authorisation under the new licensing rules will allow providers to enable satellite-based services, such as voice calling and messaging, for customers. In addition, the regulatory body will also urge providers to share the utilisation of active and passive infrastructure among themselves to increase efficiency and reduce operational costs. TRAI has also suggested the removal of entry fees levied during the authorisation renewal to reduce financial strain on providers.