Online scam regulation should cover the wider digital ecosystem rather than focus on telecom operators alone, GSMA Director General Vivek Badrinath said, calling for a unified approach involving sectors including social networks and banks.

Key Takeaways

  • Badrinath said scams can involve telecom networks, social platforms and banks, making coordination across sectors important.
  • India’s telecom regulator has convened a joint committee on scams and cyber fraud, but sectoral regulators still govern their rules separately.
  • The GSMA chief also called for flexibility to develop paid 5G business services while maintaining adequate service quality for everyone.

Online scam regulation across sectors

Badrinath said no single participant has the answer to online scams. Fraudsters can use telecom services to contact people, social networks to attract them and banks to receive payments, he said.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, or TRAI, has convened a Joint Committee of Regulators to address scams and cyber fraud. Rules nevertheless remain under the control of separate sectoral regulators.

The GSMA chief argued that focusing regulation on only one part of the ecosystem cannot fully resolve the problem. His comments are a call for a broader approach, not an announcement of new rules.

A push for more flexible 5G services

Badrinath said telecom rules have been simplified but remain extensive, and urged governments and regulators to keep discussing further changes that could support industry growth.

He called for regulation to focus on outcomes and give operators room to develop 5G services for businesses, including applications in factories, hospitals and remote care. Network slicing, which can help operators develop differentiated services, is one feature he identified as important.

Service quality and net neutrality

Network slicing has prompted debate in India, with some stakeholders concerned that it could be used to undermine net neutrality principles.

Badrinath said operators should be able to offer enhanced quality for business applications to customers willing to pay more, while keeping the fundamental service adequate for everyone. He also said operators should be held accountable for service quality.

Read More News

More FinanceVelix news

Disclaimer

This FinanceVelix article provides general information, not personalized financial, investment, legal, or tax advice. Market prices, interest rates and economic conditions can change; investments carry a risk of loss. Facts reflect the material available when published and may change. Check important information independently and consult a qualified professional when needed. Mentioning an asset, company, or service is not an endorsement.