Telcos could offer calls over Internet like Whatsapp, Skype

[rahul1117kumar]

Telcos in India had approached TRAI to regulate apps such as WhatsApp, Skype and others, that have been hurting its revenue. Now to take on these third-party apps, telcos may get the option to offer users the choice of making calls over the Internet, according to a report by The Economic Times. This will help them compete with these popular apps and regain lost revenue.

So, TRAI is working on a process that will make this possible. RS Sharma told the news site that TRAI is planning to float a consultation paper to decide whether telcos should provide Internet telephony. He reportedly called it a regulatory imbalance wherein telcos aren’t allowed to offer Internet telephony or VoIP because they are licenses, and other third-part apps are allowed to provide the same.

If you remember, last year, telcos were arms against the third-party apps and wanted to implement a fee on these calls. It faced massive outcry and was discussed during
net neutrality debates. With data plans galore, most users do not have to incur extra costs of SMS and, then free calling apps ensured no-cost phone calls too.

By allowing telcos to offer services as OTT providers, this imbalance could end.

Telcos could offer calls over Internet like Whatsapp, Skype: Report Tech2 Mobile