The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is currently exploring ways to regulate Over-The-Top (OTT) communication services like WhatsApp, Signal, Zoom etc. Telcos, particularly Jio, are pitching that communication platforms must be required to comply with the Universal Service Obligation (USO) Fund. Universal Service Obligation Fund collects a levy of 5% of telcos’ Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) to improve telecom access in rural and remote areas.
Telcos argue that online communication applications provide similar services as that provided by the traditional telecom companies and to do so, they use the infrastructure of the telcos. Hence, they acted as direct competitors to these telecom companies. This is why, telecom companies believe that communication platforms should contribute to the development of telecom infrastructure. Asking online companies to pay to the USO, is one of the ways to make them contribute to the development of the infrastructure.
Additionally, in their submission to TRAI’s consultation paper, researchers at the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) have said, “We propose a Broadband Infrastructure Levy to be applied at 3% of India operations to VNOs [virtual network operators], significant OTT communication service providers and significant OTT video service providers to contribute to the Broadband Infrastructure Fund.”
In this video, MediaNama Editor Nikhil Pahwa discusses whether the demand is justified and what are the key issues that need to be considered.
Watch the video to know more:
Also Read:
- Should Communication Apps Contribute To The USO Fund?
- Indian Telecommunication Bill 2022: Provisions On Telecommunication Development Fund And Regulatory Sandbox
- Reliance Jio Shares Thoughts On The Draft Telecom Bill, And They’re Worth Noting!
- OTT Communication Apps Should Bear Burden Like License Fee: SP Kochhar, COAI
