Synopsis
The COAI praised the Parliamentary Standing Committee's proposal to merge MeitY, MIB, and DoT, aiming to enhance coordination in addressing technology convergence issues and improve transparency in communication policies.Key Takeaways
- COAI supports merging MeitY, MIB, and DoT.
- Unified approach to technology convergence recommended.
- One regulatory framework for TSPs and OTTs suggested.
- Spam communications need unified regulations.
- Parliamentary committee proposed a media council.
New Delhi, March 26 (NationPress) The Cellular Operators' Association of India (COAI) expressed its approval on Wednesday regarding the Parliamentary Standing Committee's recommendations to consolidate the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY), the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), and the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) into a unified entity.
COAI stated that these recommendations aim to enhance coordination in addressing challenges associated with technology convergence.
“Regardless of the implementation format, this initiative will facilitate a more focused and cohesive approach to handling issues, leading to policies that are uniformly applicable to all relevant ministries, thereby minimizing multiple policy formulations on identical matters and enhancing transparency and compliance,” remarked Lt Gen Dr SP Kochhar, Director General of COAI.
Applying similar logic to operational aspects concerning spam and fraudulent messages and calls across both telecom networks and OTT channels, it is crucial to adopt a single regulatory framework for both telecom service providers (TSPs) and OTTs.
Currently, telcos operate under the Telecom Commercial Communication Customer Preference Regulation (TCCPR) 2018, which has led to noticeable reductions in spam and unwanted communications via TSPs. However, app-based communications, which are currently unregulated, pose an increasing concern for both consumers and the government.
While COAI appreciates the recent collaboration between DoT and a leading OTT communication provider to curb spam and scam communications in India through a safety and educational initiative, “we believe it is essential to establish regulatory and security measures for all stakeholders, including OTTs and TSPs, under a unified regulatory framework,” COAI stated.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology also proposed the formation of a media council overseeing various media types, including print, broadcasting, and digital, to improve the enforcement of laws governing these services.
This proposal was included in the committee's report on the demand for grants for 2025-26, presented in the Lok Sabha on March 21.
Furthermore, it advised the government to contemplate “integrating the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Department of Telecommunications (DoT), and MIB under one umbrella for improved coordination concerning issues arising from technological convergence.”
Kochhar expressed optimism that this move would significantly address concerns related to spam, telemarketing, and similar issues across all communication channels, ultimately helping to eliminate or reduce the prevalence of unwanted and fraudulent communications, thereby offering much-needed relief to consumers.
