COAI: Non regulation of OTT players will put telcos at disadvantage

Telecom operators have said that the sector regulator’s decision to not regulate over the top (OTT) players such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Google , Viber etc will put telcos at a “disadvantage”, create a ” non-level playing field” and raise security concerns.

“Without a resolution of these issues TSPs will continue to be at a disadvantageous position vis-à-vis OTT Communication Service Providers (CSPs). While, TSPs have to abide by a strict regulatory and licensing framework in order to provide the communication services, no regulatory/licensing framework is applicable on those OTT players who offer similar Communication Services in the form of messaging, voice