Trai finally came out with recommendations on net neutrality in November 2017, backing a free and open internet, and said OTT would be dealt with separately. Voice accounts for about 80% of a telco’s revenue, although that is falling now. However, telcos insist that OTT apps should be bound by the same rules that govern telecom operators because WhatsApp and Viber offer the same calling services that they do. Alternatively, if the apps are not regulated, then telcos should be given the same benefit.“We believe both OTT players and TSPs should be treated on an equal footing. However, if the OTT players are being excused, then the same should apply to us as well,” said Rajan Mathews, director general of Cellular Operators Association of India.

Source: Economic Times March 30, 2018 02:03 UTC