Trai clarifies internet telephony rules, call charges to fall

Regulator asks DoT to issue a clarification; COAI differs

In a move that is likely to bring down voice calling charges further, sectoral regulator the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has clarified that internet telephony — including voice calling — can be provided by telecom operators using any internet connection and not just through their own networks.

The clarification by Trai will allow telcos, who have got access service licence or unified licence, to offer VoIP (voice over IP) calls using any internet connection. The calls can be made to all mobile and landline numbers and the current interconnect charges will apply, which is 6 paisa for wireless calls