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

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.