The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has removed over-the-top (OTT) players and applications from the definition of telecommunication services under the Draft Indian Telecommunication Bill. The move is expected to provide relief to OTT communication service providers such as WhatsApp, Signal and Telegram, which will remain out of telecom regulation.
According to the DoT, the current definition of telecom services under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, is good enough and there is no need to specifically add OTT in the new bill.
The move to remove OTT from the Draft Indian Telecommunication Bill is expected to be tabled in the upcoming winter session of the parliament.
