Bad news for Indian iPhone fans! There is a high chance that Apple iPhones could get banned in the country in the near future. What is the reason behind this rumour? Read on to find out!
Apple iPhones could get banned in India, what is the reason behind?!
For a long time, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and Apple have been having an issue over their Do-not-Disturb app. In details, the telecom regulator has prescribed for all smartphone in the country. Until now, Google has already made the application available on their Google Play. However, Apple has not yet consented to add the app on the iOS App Store. Furthermore, the US manufacturer cites a possible breach of user privacy.
Today, TRAI is seeking that all the telecom networks de-register iPhones from their respective channels. According to them, this is a penalty for not making the DND app available on the device. Meanwhile, the Indian Cellular Association has denied TRAI’s demands. Besides, they stated that the telecom regulator does not have control over device manufacturers. Moreover, they should not allow “Access Providers” to control devices or customers who possess such devices.
“Every Access Provider shall ensure, within six months’ time, that all smartphone 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, derecognise such devices from their telecom networks,” explains TRAI’s directive. “Access Providers” includes the Basic Telephone Service Provider, Cellular Mobile Telephone Service Provider, Unified Access Service Provider, Universal Access Service Provider and Virtual Network Operator (VNO) as defined in the respective licenses issued by Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
Should Apple follow TRAI’s statement?
Last week, TRAI recommended stricter rules on privacy, security and ownership of data in the telecom space. Apple, however, has their reason for refusing TRAI’s order. Do you think Apple should follow Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s requirement? Drop a comment to let us know what you think!