Few days after announcing that it will charge for VoIP calls at standard rates and introducing separate VoIP packs, Airtel today announced that it will not be implementing VoIP packs. Airtel’s new move will be welcomed by customers since the company was heavily criticized by consumers after it decided to implement separate data charges for VoIP data on Skype, Viber and other apps.
Airtel said that it will wait for TRAI’s consultation paper on issues relating to services offered by OTT players including VOIP. In an official statement, Airtel said,
In view of the news reports that a consultation paper will be issued shortly by TRAI on issues relating to services offered by OTT players including VOIP, we have decided not to implement our proposed launch of VoIP packs.
We have no doubt that as a result of the consultation process a balanced outcome would emerge that would not only protect the interests of all stakeholders and viability of this important sector but would also encourage much-needed investments in spectrum and roll out of data networks to fulfil the objective of digital India.
We should know more details about TRAI’s new proposal regarding services offered by over-the-top (OTT) players in upcoming consultation paper. Earlier this year TRAI was looking to put charges for over-the-top (OTT) players of apps like WhatsApp, Viber, Skype etc. to operate, but it rejected the proposal later.