Concerns Over Regulatory Disparities
In a recent meeting with Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, telecom operators expressed their apprehensions regarding the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s (Trai) decision to exclude popular messaging and calling applications like WhatsApp and Telegram from its newly proposed licensing framework. Sources familiar with the discussions revealed that key industry figures were in attendance, including Reliance Jio Chairman Akash Ambani, Vodafone Idea CEO Akshaya Moondra, Bharti Airtel MD and CEO Gopal Vittal, and BSNL Chairman and Managing Director Robert J Ravi.
The telecom leaders raised critical issues surrounding the adjusted gross revenue payments, highlighting the financial implications of the current regulatory landscape. They articulated their concerns about the competitive imbalance created by the exclusion of over-the-top (OTT) applications from the new licensing recommendations. This situation allows these apps to operate without the same regulatory obligations that traditional telecom services must adhere to, raising questions about fairness and sustainability in the market.
Minister Scindia acknowledged the operators' concerns, underscoring the necessity of prioritizing customer satisfaction. He advocated for streamlined processes and enhanced service quality, with a vision of fostering improved connectivity and affordability for consumers across the nation. The dialogue reflects a growing recognition of the need for a balanced regulatory approach that addresses the evolving landscape of digital communication while ensuring that traditional telecom operators can compete effectively.