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DoT panel wants free internet calls to end

In a move than can end the free regime for domestic calls made through internet messenger services such as WhatsApp, Viber and Skype, a high-level panel has suggested that they be benchmarked against regular telecom service providers for tariff and regulation.

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DQC Bureau
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In a move than can end the free regime for domestic calls made through internet messenger services such as WhatsApp, Viber and Skype, a high-level panel has suggested that they be benchmarked against regular telecom service providers for tariff and regulation.

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"Under existing telecom licensing conditions, internet telephony is permitted under restricted conditions. But pricing the arbitrage of OTT (over-the-top) domestic voice communication services has the potential of significantly disrupting existing telecom revenue models," the panel said.

The panel, comprising of senior officials of the telecom department, said the tariff plans offered by telecom and internet service providers must conform to the government's principles of net neutrality, and the the watchdog asked to examine the tariffs in accordance with the stated objectives.

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