Not regulating OTT services such as WhatsApp to hurt telcos: COAI chief

The Cellular Operators Association of India on Monday said no regulation of over-the-top (OTT) communication services such as WhatsApp and Skype will continue to hurt telecom operators already burdened with a strict regulatory and licensing framework.

“While TSPs have to abide by a strict regulatory and licensing framework, no regulatory/licensing framework is applicable on those OTT players who offer similar services. These OTT services are substitutable to services provided by TSPs, and hence a case of non-level playing field exists,” said SP Kochhar, director general of COAI.

India’s telecom regulator on Monday recommended forbearance policy for internet communication service providers, saying that the issues related to economics and privacy/security do not need any regulatory intervention as of now.