Can OTTs stay away from telcos' stride?
Voice and Data|October 2024
OTT, or Internet-based communications platforms, have been excluded from the Telecommunications Act, 2023. Can they continue to survive?
VERNIKA AWAL
Can OTTs stay away from telcos' stride?

The Telecommunications Act, 2023 received the Centre’s official green light in December last year, heralding new regulations that will govern the industry for years to come. While the law was necessary to repeal archaic legal frameworks such as the Indian Telegraph Act, 1888, one modern-era point remains contentious—whether Internet-based services should be governed under the same rules as traditional telecom operators.

Before proceeding, it is important to set the context for this conversation. In today’s world, many of our communications services are powered by Internet-based services, such as Meta’s WhatsApp for direct messaging and calls and Microsoft Teams and Google Meet platforms for enterprise-grade conferencing calls. These apps have collectively been bracketed under over-the-top (OTT) services, which rely on the Internet to deliver their functionality.

Over the years, OTT services have grown exponentially. According to industry estimates, WhatsApp alone has over 480 million users in India, against a backdrop of a 1.45 billion population base and as compared to over 1.07 billion telephone subscribers. This means WhatsApp serves around 33% of the country’s population and 45% of all mobile and telephony users.

Despite WhatsApp’s popularity, users incur no additional cost to use the service. Instead, they use data provided by telecom operators, who bundle it into their subscription plans; telcos seldom sell subscription plans without bundled data. Without any additional cost per message or call, users have been massively empowered in terms of their communications.

This has left telecom companies displeased.

WHAT IS UPSETTING THE TELCOS?

Esta historia es de la edición October 2024 de Voice and Data.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición October 2024 de Voice and Data.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE VOICE AND DATAVer todo
Data discomfort: Why India's data connectivity speeds are falling
Voice and Data

Data discomfort: Why India's data connectivity speeds are falling

India is one of the world’s biggest markets for 5G Internet services, but that has come at the cost of connectivity speed—at least for now

time-read
3 minutos  |
November 2024
A full-stack mission to orbit
Voice and Data

A full-stack mission to orbit

With its all-in-one model, Dhruva Space is merging satellite design, launch, and support under one roof to streamline India's space-tech future

time-read
5 minutos  |
November 2024
5G dreams: A tech revolution hits roadblocks
Voice and Data

5G dreams: A tech revolution hits roadblocks

India's swift 5G rollout encounters hurdles as operators struggle to monetise their investment, with sluggish consumer and enterprise adoption stalling growth

time-read
6 minutos  |
November 2024
Empowering India's next-gen business pathways
Voice and Data

Empowering India's next-gen business pathways

Cloud, data centres, and 5G form a powerful trio, shaping India’s digital future with scalable infrastructure, seamless connectivity, and rapid innovation

time-read
4 minutos  |
November 2024
Interconnected technologies, unlocking enterprise growth potential
Voice and Data

Interconnected technologies, unlocking enterprise growth potential

The synergy of AI, IoT, and 5G is transforming business operations, enabling smarter decision-making and paving the way for scalable, data-driven growth

time-read
4 minutos  |
November 2024
Beyond the 5G horizon, a new era of user expectations
Voice and Data

Beyond the 5G horizon, a new era of user expectations

Telecom experts explore a future beyond 5G, revealing how Al, loT, and secure infrastructure will transform industries and meet rising user demands

time-read
4 minutos  |
November 2024
Unfolding India’s digital journey beyond 5G
Voice and Data

Unfolding India’s digital journey beyond 5G

India’s telecom leaders envision a future of next-gen connectivity, aiming for a digitally inclusive landscape driven by innovation and sustainable growth

time-read
7 minutos  |
November 2024
Digital infrastructure: not the Achilles' heel but the jugular
Voice and Data

Digital infrastructure: not the Achilles' heel but the jugular

As cyber threats intensify, digital infrastructure faces rising risks, demanding vigilant, multi-layered defences to ensure resilience for the future.

time-read
6 minutos  |
November 2024
BUILDING SMARTER HIGHWAYS IN TELECOM'S NEW DIGITAL FRONTIER
Voice and Data

BUILDING SMARTER HIGHWAYS IN TELECOM'S NEW DIGITAL FRONTIER

Autonomous networks enable telcos to streamline operations, enhance services, and reduce costs, driving efficiency in a data-driven, hyperconnected world

time-read
4 minutos  |
November 2024
Pre-zero data dreams: Are AI smartphones leading the way?
Voice and Data

Pre-zero data dreams: Are AI smartphones leading the way?

Artificial Intelligence can unlock personalised insights, ushering in a new era of data-driven experiences that anticipate user needs before they are expressed.

time-read
5 minutos  |
November 2024