A very shocking news is coming from Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone Idea (Vi)! I am tracking tech news day and night, and on hearing this news my mind went blank. Coming straight to the point – these telecom companies are telling Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and TRAI to make calls and messaging on apps like WhatsApp paid as well! Yes, you heard it right, paid! Let’s understand in simple why Telecom Companies Want WhatsApp Calls to Be Charged, what is this problem and why is it wrong.
What is this news?
This is what the telecom companies say that the data we use – whether we make a call on WhatsApp, send a message on Telegram, or use any other app – should be charged separately. Their logic is that these apps are taking advantage of their network for free. What is this? We already pay for data plans, we also pay for unlimited calls.
Then why did WhatsApp come behind the calls? It uses the same data which we have already purchased! These companies have told TRAI to bring OTT (over-the-top) apps like WhatsApp, Google RCS or Telegram under telecom rules and levy charges on them. Meaning, tomorrow will we be charged a separate bill for every WhatsApp call? Or will we have to take a subscription plan? This is directly an attack on the pockets of us consumers!
Where does this logic come from?
They say that when we make calls on WhatsApp or other apps, they are putting “extra load” on their network. But how far is this correct? We people use data and calls by paying money in their plans. If you have a plan for unlimited data or calls, then why are you asking for money separately? This is like double charging – pay for data once, then pay again if you make a call using the same data. Does this make any sense?
According to reports, Jio, Airtel, and Vi have told TRAI that OTT platforms should also follow licensing rules like telecom companies. This started in August 2024, when these companies made this demand in response to a consultation paper. They say that until OTT apps are not regulated, it is causing “harm” to their business. But this is actually harmful for consumers.
What about us consumers?
If this plan is really passed, then just think – we will have to pay for every WhatsApp call. Either we will have to take some subscription, or there will be per-minute charges. We already pay so much money in data plans, recharge, and taxes. On top of that, this new problem? This is absolutely wrong. We use apps as per our wish, and those apps run on our purchased data. Then why charge separately?
And this will not stop only at WhatsApp – Telegram, Google Meet, or any messaging/calling app can come under this. Meaning, you will have to spend extra money for everything. This is a matter of restriction in the digital world!
What is the scenario of TRAI and DoT?
TRAI is discussing this right now. These telecom companies had raised this issue in August 2024, and TRAI is in the mood to make a new regulation. But OTT apps are saying that they are already regulated under the IT Act, then why extra rules on them? This is a big tug-of-war going on – telecom companies vs OTT platforms. And what about us consumers in between? Just keep paying the money!
These companies are also pressurizing DoT to do something. But no final decision has been taken yet. If this rule is made, then bad times will begin for all of us. For every call, every message, we will have to think – how much will the bill be?
Final point
This idea of Jio, Airtel, and Vi is completely ridiculous. We already pay for their plans, then why charge extra for WhatsApp or other apps? This is a direct fraud with us consumers. TRAI and DoT should take a clear stand on this – it is wrong to charge OTT apps separately.
If this happens, then we will have to empty our pockets for every call and message, and the dream of digital India will also become a little blurred. What do you think? Should this rule be made or not? Tell me in the comments, and definitely share your opinion on this!