Mint Explainer: What’s the debate on regulating OTT apps?

livemint.com:

Mint delves deeper into the issue and what’s likely to come next. The telecom regulator sought comments from stakeholders on how to frame the terms and conditions to grant licences for services that fall under the new telecom law, which came into effect earlier this year.

It asked stakeholders whether the existing regime should continue or a new, leaner authorisation regime should be introduced. It also asked for views on the fees for a proposed unified service authorisation regime that could replace the current circle-based system.

The paper did not specifically mention OTT apps, but the regulator did ask stakeholders if certain new authorisations or subcategories of authorisations were needed under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, and what the terms and conditions for these new services should be. Also read: Regulatory delays, testing may hold up satcom launch In addition, Trai sought stakeholders’ suggestions on defining gross revenue, applicable revenue and adjusted gross revenue, and also asked if the authorisations for global mobile personal communications by satellite (GMPCS) and very small aperture terminal (VSAT CUG) should be merged.

The regulator will hold an open-house discussion on the paper today (21 August). Telecom service providers said in their submissions to the regulator that the new telecom law defines OTT platforms as ‘access services’, so they should therefore be brought under the licensing framework and require authorisation.

“Bringing OTT communication services under the authorisation/licensing regime would ensure fair competition, address potential biases, and foster a level playing field within the telecommunication industry," said the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI). Industry