iPhones Face Ban In India Over DND App -Apple vs TRAI Battle Gets Worse!
TRAI has suggested that any handset maker which doesn't follow their rules, will be banned.
This was something which we never expected. iPhones, the iconic, expensive and world renowned brand can be banned in India.
The ban, or rather ‘derecognition’ of iPhones by TRAI and all telecom networks can actually happen in the next 6 months, in case Govt. of India accepts TRAI’s latest recommendations pertaining to spam calls.
Apple has already indicated that they may take legal course, if this ‘derecognition’ actually takes place.
TRAI: We Will Derecognize Any Handset Which Fails To Follow Rules!
TRAI has just released The Telecom Commercial Communication Customer Preference Regulation, 2018, and sought public opinions on the “proposed to curb the problem of unsolicited commercial communication,”.
This is mainly regarding the issue of unwanted calls and spam texts.
The draft showcases and proposes an array of regulations, which if implemented, can immensely benefit the end user.
However, in between, there TRAI has mandated that use of their DND app, on every smartphone being used in India. Launched in 2016, this app records each and every call, and creates a database of spams, tele-callers and other such services.
Now, as per the regulations proposed, TRAI wants that any handset maker which doesn’t follow the rules, and install DND App, needs to be ‘Derecognized’ by the telecom operators.
Or in other words, face ban.
This is what the proposed regulation says: “Every Access Provider shall ensure, within six months’ time, that all smart phone devices registered on its network support the permissions required for the functioning of such Apps as prescribed in the regulations 6(2)(e) and regulations 23(2)(d);
Provided that where such devices do not permit functioning of such Apps as prescribed in regulations 6(2)(e) and regulations 23(2)(d), Access Providers shall, on the order or direction of the Authority, derecognize such devices from their telecom networks.”
If this proposal is implemented, then it is quite obvious that Apple’s iPhones may face ban, and will be unusable in India.
Apple has already informed TRAI has their newest iOS 12 will have the ability to block spam messages and calls, but it seems it’s not enough for TRAI.
Apple May Take Legal Action Against TRAI
Right from the start, Apple has refused to follow TRAI’s orders, and refused to install their DND app on their iPhones.
TRAI has even called Apple as ‘anti-consumer’ because of this refusal. Attempts of ceasefire has already been made, and Apple has suggested some alternate ways to TRAI.
TRAI has already ‘threatened’ Apple with legal action on this issue.
But now, this battle have become worse with TRAI’s proposal regarding spam calls: iPhones are facing a ban, and this is indeed serious.
Insiders at Apple have suggested that TRAI cannot force telecom operators to ban a particular handset, and as per hints received, Apple can opt for legal route against TRAI as well.
We will keep you updated, as we receive more information on this issue.
Image: iphonedigital from Flickr
