The Indian government is striving to make its telecom sector the best in the world. As part of improving the digital regulatory system, the government would bring more legislation, said telecom minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
He also talked about the draft Indian Telecommunication Bill, 2022, which covers satellite-based communication services, internet-based communications, in-flight and maritime connectivity services, interpersonal communications services, and machine-to-machine communication services.
The proposed bill would regulate over-the-top (OTT) communication apps like WhatsApp. It would require apps like WhatsApp and telegram to obtain a licence from the government. Currently, OTT communication apps do not require any permit.
Telcos are in favour of the proposed bill as they have been demanding for a long time to bring OTT communication services under the regulatory ambit. The telecom players have been going through a tough time since the emergence of OTT apps as people rely more on the latter for voice or video calls and messaging services. The new-age services offer free calls and messages while telcos have to acquire spectrum licences and undertake heavy capital expenditure to provide services.
