Controversy Over Licensing OTT Apps Like WhatsApp and Telegram in India

The Broadband India Forum (BIF) opposes a proposal to include internet call and messaging apps like WhatsApp under telecom licences. BIF President TV Ramachandran argues that this violates Article 14 of the Constitution. Meanwhile, telecom operators demand these apps share infrastructure costs, as outlined in the Telecom Act, 2023.

On Monday, the Broadband India Forum (BIF) challenged telecom operators' proposal to bring internet call and messaging apps, such as WhatsApp, Telegram, and Google Meet, under the telecom licensing regime.

BIF President TV Ramachandran stated that subjecting OTT (over-the-top) services to the Telecom Act contravenes Article 14 of the Constitution that ensures equal treatment. Ramachandran highlighted that comparing OTT services to traditional telecom services is erroneous, as telecom operators receive exclusive rights not afforded to OTT service providers.

Telecom operators, however, argue that large data traffic generated by foreign apps should entail infrastructure costs and have requested the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) to include OTT services within the new Telecommunication Act, 2023. Industry leaders like Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel support this motion for regulatory parity.

(With inputs from agencies.)