An internal panel of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has recommended regulation of over-the-top (OTT) services, including WhatsApp and Skype, to ensure a level playing field in the sector.
In its report, the panel said OTT services should be regulated through exercise of licensing powers, available under section 4 of the Indian Telegraph Act, to create a level-playing field with telecom service providers, according to people in the know. However, it was not immediately clear how OTT services could be regulated through a licensing regime.
The committee has also recommended incorporation of a clause in the licence conditions of telecom and internet service providers, which will make them adhere to the guidelines prescribed by the government on the issue of net neutrality.
