The fun of free calls on WhatsApp and Google Meet will soon end! Know what is the whole matter?

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has reportedly sought the views of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on formulating a framework for regulation of internet messaging and voice calling applications. According to a report, this rule can be applied to over-the-top (OTT) service providers like Meta-owned WhatsApp, Signal, Google Meet and other similar apps and services. Telecom operators in India have for years asked TRAI to ensure that its rules for telecom also apply to these services that offer similar calling and messaging facilities.

By news agency PTI citing an unnamed government worker. told TRAI’s previous recommendations on Internet telephony were not accepted by the DoT, following which a comprehensive reference was sought on Internet telephony and OTT service providers that allow users to make calls and send messages over the Internet.

TRAI had earlier said there was no need to regulate OTT services, and DOT last week sought fresh recommendations from TRAI in view of the changing environment with new technology. At that time, TRAI had recommended that Internet Service Providers (ISPs) could provide Internet telephony for calls over phone networks if they paid interconnection fees and installed valid interception equipment, according to the report.

The government has not yet officially announced plans to regulate OTT service providers.

It is noteworthy that TRAI has been facing pressure from telecom operators for many years regarding regulation of OTT players in the country. Telecommunications companies have argued that these services should pay license fees and be subject to the same rules regarding lawful interception and service quality.