So who is liable for user generated content in India - the platform or the user? This same debate, which is at the core of a number of lawsuits, has found a new platform: Voice Chat on telecom networks.

DNA reports that Mobile operators are denying any liability whatsoever for the voice chat services on their platform. What’s interesting is that they appears to be passing the buck to VAS companies. TV Ramachandran says “In plain terms, we only provide the pipeline for a value added service. What goes through the networks is neither a concern nor a responsibility of the telecom operator.” A Vodafone official has expressed similar sentiments. As per the report, Cellebrum provides voice chat services for Vodaphone, while Altruist is the vendor for Airtel.

So here’s the skinny - when it comes to everything else - revenue shares for content, for example - the operator claims they provide value and support and are “not just a pipe”. But when it comes to being liable for content being sent over their network, they’re “just a pipe”. That’s double-speak.

The TRAI doesn’t yet regulate Mobile VAS, but this appears to be another front that has opened up. Our take is that if the mobile operator is going to hold the VAS service provider liable, then that risk should come with its own reward. You can’t have your cake and eat it too…though that’s what they’ve been doing so far.

More on the issues around Mobile VAS at our post on

– TRAI Open House Discussion On Mobile VAS

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Tags: Airtel, Mobile VAS, Telecom Operators, Vodafone, Voice Chat

1. The claim to fame of the “voice chat service providers” is that they have the call center to serve the calls. The operators are fooling by saying they are only pipe. Even if they are pipe it does not mean the channel is not responsible of what is flowing thru the pipe.

   Logically, if we apply “we are only pipe” logic, operators could start next level of sleaze. :- )

   I heard these voice chat providers pay girls ( who are not in call center) to receive and talk to voice chat callers. I tried the service and girl said she is in call center where these calls lands !!

   What a business model on lust of men. Are these companies in telecom business or selling sleaze?

   Posted by mobite | November 13, 2008, 3:48 pm

2. Ha ha !

   Operators does national billing configuration of service which they are saying they are simple pipe!!

   I am sure every operator knows and signs on legal paper with VAS provider with every detail of service.

   Cheers to revenue. Who is Altruist, Some sex/chat line service?

   Posted by VASguy | November 13, 2008, 3:54 pm

3. I think pipe has sexual innuendos. :). SO technically they might be right.

   Posted by Valueadded | November 14, 2008, 2:43 pm