COAI seeks level-playing field for telcos, OTT players

Telecom firms on Monday advocated a "level playing field" between telecom operators and competing over-the-top (OTT) players.

We feel the issues were appropriate and the Trai has narrowed it down in terms of saying what is the definition of OTT, that is an appropriate thing, Cellular Operators' Association of India (COAI) Director General Rajan Mathews said on the sidelines of an interactive session on call drops, telecom infrastructure and 'Right of Way' issues.

Whenever the stipulation will be made by the Trai should be applicable to all players in the same field, he said.

The Trai recent consultation paper explores a regulatory framework for over-the-top apps like WhatsApp, Facebook and Google Duo that provide calling and messaging services similar to that by operators.

The Trai also sought public opinion on whether same rules should be prescribed for OTT applications (providing calling and instant messaging services) as are applicable on telecom operators.

On call drops, he said while the service quality results for the September quarter is awaited, the operators had been largely in compliance with the norms in the past quarters.