COAI Calls for Unified Regulations on Telecom and OTT Platforms

The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) advocates for stringent regulations on both telecom companies and over-the-top (OTT) platforms to curb spam and fraud. COAI Director General S.P. Kochhar emphasized the need for equal treatment under the law. Discussions on 6G developments are ongoing, with India poised to lead in patents and standards.

The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has raised a clarion call for strict regulations on telecom service providers and over-the-top (OTT) platforms to eliminate spam and fraudulent activities from communication services.

Addressing a discussion on global telecom learnings post Mobile World Congress, COAI Director General S.P. Kochhar highlighted the universal demand for including apps like WhatsApp, Google Meet, and Signal under the same regulatory umbrella as traditional telecom services. 'Whether OTT or telecom, all services must adhere to clean standards,' Kochhar stated, indicating a growing consensus around parity in regulation.

On the topic of technological advancements, Kochhar noted India's advancing role in 6G technology, underscoring its potential despite 5G's underwhelming ROI. India’s focus, he said, will be on establishing patents and technological standards, with a commercial rollout anticipated around 2030.