The final date for submission of written feedback and counter feedback has been prolonged to September 1 and September 15, respectively
TRAI launched the much-awaited session paper on regulating OTT communication apps within the nation in July
The paper broadly covers two points – identification of a regulatory mechanism to cowl OTT communication apps and the examination of points associated to selective banning of such apps
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has prolonged the date for submitting feedback on its session paper on regulating over-the-top (OTT) communication apps to September 1.
Earlier, the final date for sending written feedback on the problems raised within the session paper was August 4 and for counter feedback was August 18.
“Retaining in view the request of stakeholders for additional extension of time for submission of feedback, it has been determined to increase the final date for submission of written feedback and counter feedback as much as 01.09.2023 and 15.09.2023 respectively,” TRAI mentioned in an announcement.
The telecom regulator launched the much-awaited session paper on regulating OTT communication apps within the nation in July. The paper broadly covers two points – identification of a regulatory mechanism to cowl OTT communication apps and the examination of points associated to selective banning of such apps.
The most important takeaways of the paper embrace exploration of themes comparable to the necessity for selective banning of OTT communication apps, comparable to Meta-owned WhatsApp, Telegram and Google Meet, in addition to lawful interception of messages by authorities.
The paper has raised questions like if there’s a want for a collaborative framework between OTT communication apps and licensed telecommunication service suppliers, in addition to sought readability on the potential challenges that may come up out of such a framework and its impression on web neutrality, shopper entry and shopper alternative.
The federal government started consultations on the method of regulating OTT communication apps final yr and launched the much-awaited draft Telecommunication Invoice, 2022 to switch the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, the Indian Wi-fi Telegraphy Act, 1933, and the Telegraph Wires Act, 1950.
It should be famous that OTT apps and telecom operators have already been concerned in a confrontation. Earlier, the Mobile Operators Affiliation of India (COAI) mentioned that OTT communication service suppliers ought to pay a community utilization cost to the telecom operators. Opposing this demand, the Web & Cell Affiliation of India (IAMAI) referred to as the income sharing plan a ‘loss of life knell’ for the nation’s digital financial system.
