Telcos bat for licence regime for WhatsApp, Skype

New Delhi, April 27

Telecom operators have proposed a licencing regime for over-the-top (OTT) players like WhatsApp and Skype to level the playing field, a move that has been vehemently opposed have a level-playing field, a move that has vehemently been opposed by internet firms and associations.

The proposal comes as part of the telecom operators comments Trai's consultation paper on Net Neutrality, for which the deadline lapsed on April 24.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has released the name and email IDs of over one million people who gave their comments on the consultation paper.

Telecom operators argue they should be allowed to offer services based on mutual agreements with the OTT players.

"There is a pressing need to find a fair regulatory and commercial solution especially for VOIP telephony services, which if not addressed could endanger the entire Digital India programme of the Government," Vodafone India says in its comments on Trai's consultation paper on regulatory framework for OTT services.

However, Internet association Nasscom counters the argument, saying that with the Information Technology Act, 2003, already in force to ensure this, there is no need for additional regulations for content and services.

"Internet Platforms and Services communications do not require licensing. There are user led evaluation reports that helps consumers make an informed choice as they adopt Internet platforms and services," Nasscom said.

Airtel, in its feedback, says that telecom service providers and OTT communication service providers currently offer the same communication services such as voice.

"While TSPs are subject to a number of regulatory and licensing requirements, such as payment of licence fee, taxes, security conditions, among others, OTT communication service providers have no such obligations," Airtel said, arguing that .

Idea also batted for ‘Same Service, Same Rules’, contending that all stakeholders should offer same services under the same regulations and no one gets an undue advantage.

Internet Service Providers Association of India also echoed the sentiments.

On OTT players impacting traditional revenue stream of telecom operators, Internet & Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) says it is untrue that innovations of VoIP andtext apps have affected TSPs financial stability.

"Indicators of revenues from regulatory filings, earning calls of telecom companies and public statements clearly indicate that data is driving telecom growth," IAMAI said.

With an overwhelming feedback send to them, TRAI has divided the comments under three categories — comments from service providers, comments from service providers associations and comments from other stakeholders.

Telecom industry body GSMA said the efficient way to manage multiple traffic types is not to treat all traffic with the same priority, but to match the prioritisation of network resources to the traffic characteristics and the service requirements.

"To ensure Internet remains open and functional, mobile operators should be permitted the flexibility to differentiate between different types of traffic," GSMA said.

Vodafone said companies should be free to pursue commercial agreements that offer consumers innovative new content and services underpinned by new business models.

"This should include the option to pursue two-way charging models under which operators and content providers implement bilateral agreements for the benefit of consumers," Vodafone said. —  PTI