Regulate calls made via apps: Panel

A high-level panel on net neutrality has suggested regulating domestic calls made using Internet-based calling applications like Skype, Whatsapp and Viber on a par with phone call services offered by telecom operators.

The committee, set up the department of telecom (DoT), report underlines that the core principles of net neutrality must be adhered to and that user rights on the Internet need to be protected so that the service provider should restrict their ability to use any service or app on the Internet.

There is a good news for users of OTT (Over the top) messaging applications like WhatsApp or Viber, as the report was against any king on bar on transmitting text messages.

The report said text messages should be actively encouraged and any impediments in expansion and growth of OTT application services should be removed. But the report makes a distinction between OTTs offering VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocols) communication services and says that in the case of domestic calls, communication services by TSPs (telecom service providers) and OTT communication services may be treated similarly from a regulatory angle for the present.

But in the case of OTT VoIP international calling services, a liberal approach may be adopted.
The committee, chaired by DoT advisor for technology A K Bhargava, has opposed projects like Facebook’s Internet.org, which allows access to certain websites without mobile data charges, while suggesting that similar plans such as Airtel Zero be allowed with prior clearance from Telecom Regulatory Authority of India.

The panel has recommended that OTT players should be brought under regulation to comply with national security norms like telecom operators in the country do.