Trai allows domestic internet telephony

ISPs in the country have a reason to celebrate finally. The regulator Trai today removed restrictions on internet telephony for domestic calls thereby marking another revolutionary phase in telecom services in India.

 

With the new development, STD tariffs in the country are expected to fall further. 

 

Against the backdrop of the rapid technological advancements, ever increasing data traffic, growing acceptability of IP networks and implementation of NGN by many countries, the current licensing norms on Internet Telephony was in dire need of a fresh look, said Trai.

 

Citing that, the Indian Telecom Regulator (TRAI) released recommendations on “Issues Related to Internet Telephony”. The Regulator commenced a consultation process as on 12th May, 2008 titled “Issues Related to Internet Telephony”, seeking for a framework which is technologically neutral, enables developments, innovations and growth of the telecom sector for benefit of common masses while ensuring that business models of access telecom service providers are not adversely impacted. 

 

Under the newly floated recommendations, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) have been permitted to provide unrestricted Internet telephony. While National Long Distance (NLD) operators are permitted to connect to ISPs via public Internet to offer unrestricted Internet telephony, its expected to make suitable commercial and technical arrangements with access providers (PSTN/PLMN) for the same.