Telcos Might Shut Down iPhones on Network if Apple Doesn’t Abide by DND App Norms

Telecom operators may have to refuse operation on Apple iPhones if the Cupertino giant doesn’t install a DND app on its devices to counter the problem of pesky calls and to allow its users a method to report spam calls and messages. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has locked horns with Apple over this issue for almost a year now. The California based phone manufacturer has refused to install such an app citing privacy concerns. However, the problem might take a quick turn after the Trai’s decision on the matter.

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On Thursday, the regulator will be coming out with new norms which will dictate the companies to provide a DND app on their phones to report pesky calls and messages. However, parties will be given a “reasonable opportunity of representing against the contravention of regulations.”

Apple has also proposed an in-house solution to Trai. However, the answer was trashed by Trai later on. Apple has said that the privacy of its customers “cannot be compromised”. Now Trai’s regulations which will be laid down in the 113 page ‘Telecom Commercial Communication Customer Preference Regulation’ outlines “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.”

The regulation further reads “Provided that where such devices do not permit functioning of such apps as prescribed in regulations… access providers (mobile operators) shall, on the order or direction of the (telecom) authority, de-recognise such devices from their telecom networks.”