Few days after announcing that it will charge separately for VoIP calls at standard data rates of 4p/10 KB on 3G and 10p/10 KB on 2G, Airtel today announced that it will introduce new VoIP exclusive packs for its pre-paid customers soon. The VoIP exclusive pack costs Rs. 75 for 75MB with 28 days validity. It is not clear if this pack is applicable for all 2G, 3G and 4G customers. The company plans to introduce more VoIP packs soon and will also launch packs for post-paid customers.
Regarding the new pack and implementing charges for VoIP, Airtel, said,
Our Customers can enjoy a superior VoIP calling experience on Airtel’s network by choosing from a range of new VoIP specific data packs that will soon be launched. The Rs 75 package will allow customers to make between 200 and 250 minutes of calling. There would be no other charges in respective of VoIP calls.
VoIP services in their current form are not tenable for us as a business. As a result, we will charge separately for VoIP services. However, in line with our philosophy of putting our customers above all else – we are committed to making VoIP services extremely affordable and attractive by ensuring adequate minutes for a very small charge on VoIP.
The VoIP update will be implemented in a phased manner over the next few weeks. Airtel will inform its customers about these VoIP charges in advance through SMS, USSD pop-up, email etc, said the company. Prepaid customers who have purchased data plans before December 24, 2014 will entitled to use all services opted-for till their packs are consumed or expire, following which, the new terms & conditions on VoIP usage will apply, it said.
Update – December 29th, Monday: Airtel has announced that it will not implement VoIP packs.