Telecom Giants Raise Concerns Over Trai's Exclusion of Messaging Apps

During a meeting with Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, telecom companies expressed concerns over Trai's exclusion of apps like WhatsApp and Telegram from new licensing rules. Discussions also included issues like adjusted gross revenue payments and customer satisfaction. Key industry leaders attended this pivotal discussion.

Telecom operators voiced their concerns in a meeting with Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia about Trai's exclusion of messaging and calling apps like WhatsApp and Telegram from its new licensing rules, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Key industry leaders, 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, were present. The operators also discussed essential issues such as adjusted gross revenue payments.

Minister Scindia emphasized the importance of customer satisfaction, streamlined processes, and improved service quality, aiming for enhanced connectivity and affordability for all. The ongoing exclusion of over-the-top apps from new licensing recommendations by Trai has been a significant concern among telecom firms for providing similar services without equivalent regulatory requirements.

(With inputs from agencies.)