iWorld
Trai extends deadline for implementation of new regulatory framework to 30 November
Mumbai: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has extended the deadline for implementation of the new regulatory framework 2020 to 30 November. Earlier, it was decided to be implemented from 1 June.
In a letter issued by Trai said, “All the broadcasters shall report to the authority, any change in name, nature, language, MRP per month of channels, and composition and MRP of bouquets of channels as per the new regulatory framework 2020, by 31 August 2022, and simultaneously publish such information on their websites. The broadcasters who have already submitted their RIOs in compliance with the new regulatory framework 2020 may also revise their RIOs by 31 August 2022.”
All distributed platform operators (DPOs) have to report the distributed retail price (DRP) of channels and DRP of the bouquet of channels as per New Regulatory Framework 2020 by 31 September.
“All the distributors of television channels shall ensure that services to the subscribers, with effect from 30 November 2022, are provided as per the bouquets or channels opted by them,” the letter added.
TRAI is awaiting stakeholders’ comments and counter comments on its consultation paper regarding issues related to the new regulatory framework for broadcasting & cable services. It recently extended the deadline for comments to 13 June.
The authority had received several representations from DPOs, local cable operators (LCO) and consumer organisations highlighting the difficulties in implementing the new regulatory framework 2020.
Subsequently, the regulator formed a committee consisting of members from the Indian Broadcasting and Digital Foundation (IBDF), All India Digital Cable Federation (AIDCF) and DTH Association to look into the process of smooth implementation of the provisions of the new regulatory framework 2020.
iWorld
X launches XChat messaging app on iOS with calls and encryption
Standalone app marks shift from “everything app” vision, adds E2E messaging.
MUMBAI: From one big app to many small chats, X seems to be splitting its ambitions. X has rolled out its standalone messaging app, XChat, to iOS users, opening up a new front in its evolving product strategy. The app allows users to connect with existing X contacts through private and group messages, file sharing, as well as audio and video calls. The launch follows a limited beta phase, where the platform tested the product with a smaller user base to refine the experience. Now available publicly, XChat marks a notable pivot from earlier ambitions championed by Elon Musk to turn X into a single “everything app” combining messaging, payments, commerce and more.
Instead, the company under xAI ownership and backed by SpaceX appears to be building a suite of standalone applications, each targeting specific use cases while expanding its broader ecosystem.
At launch, XChat includes end-to-end encrypted messaging, PIN-based access, disappearing messages, and features such as message editing, deletion for all participants, and screenshot blocking. The company has also said the app is free from advertisements and tracking mechanisms, positioning it as a privacy-first alternative in a crowded messaging space.
However, security claims around the platform are likely to face scrutiny. Earlier iterations of XChat drew criticism from experts who argued it fell short of established encrypted platforms like Signal. With the wider rollout, the app is expected to undergo fresh evaluation to assess whether those concerns have been addressed.
Beyond messaging, XChat will also house X’s Communities feature, which is being discontinued on the main platform due to low usage and spam concerns. Migrating these users could provide an early boost to adoption, effectively turning XChat into both a communication and community hub.
The move underscores a broader recalibration at X less about cramming everything into one app, and more about spreading bets across multiple touchpoints, one message at a time.
