SUMMARY
- COAI has called on the government to incorporate OTT communication applications into the Telecommunications Act, 2023, citing national security concerns.
- COAI’s Director, Anand Kochhar pointed out the unregulated messaging applications circumventing these systems.
- Additionally, telecom service providers have all called for the telecom regulator to include OTT communication apps within its authority.
The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), a key industry body, has called on the government to incorporate OTT communication applications into the Telecommunications Act, 2023, citing national security concerns.
COAI Director General SP Kochhar stated as per ET, “COAI would like to state that the ‘security of the country’ is of utmost importance and in this regard, all communication service providers, including OTT-based communication services, should adhere to the requisite directives of the country as done by the telecom service providers.”
Highlighting the significant investment made by telecom service providers in establishing infrastructure for lawful interception and surveillance, COAI’s Director, Anand Kochhar, has pointed out that unregulated messaging applications are circumventing these systems. This, he argues, poses a substantial risk to national security.
Kochhar has also suggested that messaging platforms should adhere to the same regulatory standards as traditional telecom operators, noting that these standards apply across the board.
Moreover, the COAI Director has expressed worry over the rapid expansion and lack of regulation of communication apps, which he believes is creating a complex security landscape and an uneven competitive environment.
He has criticized the notion that these apps should not be regulated under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, arguing that they are already subject to various laws. Kochhar clarifies that the issue is about ensuring regulatory oversight over communication services specifically covered by the Telecom Act, 2023, and that telecom service providers are also regulated by other laws as mandated by Parliament.
This statement was made on the same day as reports emerged suggesting that the government is investigating Telegram for alleged extortion and gambling activities. There are also reports of potential plans to ban the app based on the findings of this investigation.
Kochhar’s remarks come just a week after trade groups representing apps like WhatsApp and Google RCS criticized the demands from telecom companies to license or authorize OTT communication services.
While the Broadband India Forum (BIF) argued that a unified licensing system would be arbitrary and harm the regulatory framework, Nasscom claimed that such a policy would increase costs for consumers, hinder the OTT economy, and impose entry barriers.
The issue has gained national attention following the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s (TRAI) proposal to seek feedback on service authorizations under the recently enacted Telecommunications Act.
In response, telecom service providers Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea (Vi) have all called for the telecom regulator to reform the existing telecom licensing system and include OTT communication apps within its authority. Meanwhile, OTT platforms and digital rights groups have opposed such a move.
