With Apple resisting Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)’s directive to install a pesky call app on its phone, mobile operators may be forced to shut down iPhones on their networks.
According to a Times of India report, Apple has refused to install an app that could stop or report unwanted commercial calls despite TRAI not approving of its refusal. TRAI is firm with its directions to all mobile manufacturers to have the app.
With new TRAI regulations in place, mobile operators will have to top supporting smartphone makers that don’t add an app that could help users report such calls and messages. If this happens, it could affect a large number of users that use iPhones, as their phones will be of no use without a network connection.
TRAI has given Apple six months to comply. It is now pertinent that Apple provide the regulator with a solution for the same.
A clause in the ‘Telecom Commerical Communication Customer Preference Regulation’ states, “Every access provider shall ensure, within six months’ time, that all smartphone devices registered on its network support the permissions required for functioning of such apps.”
Reports indicate that the US tech giant has already had several rounds of meetings with the TRAI officials but no resolution has been found so far. Apple has filed an application with the regulator with details of its in-house solution for holding back pesky calls. Apple cites the privacy of its customers as being paramount to it and it wouldn’t compromise on it.
However, the new regulations state that an app such as this either should be the one provided by TRAI or by another person of entity approved by the regulator. This would mean that even if Apple develops an in-house app, it will have to be approved by TRAI.
Other players have been compliant. For example, Google has agreed to carry TRAI’s Do-Not-Disturb app on its Android platform.