TRAI invites consultation on internet telephony

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India on Wednesday issued a consultation paper on Internet telephone (VoIP), inviting comments, reservations and suggestions by July 21. 

The telecom body, in its observation noted how telecos charge high costs for mobile internet, driving up expensive bills. TRAI further noted that mobile telephony, in this regard, has come to shape up an important facet of communication, by acting as an alternative to traditional telephony. It also pointed to the reluctance of telecos to allow for VoIP services. 

In the comprehensive legislation, the telecom body seems to start an exhaustive conversation on the legislation concerning Internet telephony. 

The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) had, early this month, written to TRAI protesting how OTT services like WhatsApp, Skype, etc do not perform under the ambit of law in the lack of regulation, while teleco bodies are regulated. 

The TRAI consultation has invited comments on the costs of entry for telecos, interconnection costs, where does emergency contacts feature on Internet telephony, etc. Other talking points include the finances governing calls that start at Internet telephony and end at wireless, allocation of contact numbers and whether location information will be recorded.