SIM-Less Calling Allowed As Internet Telephony Gets Approval From Government!

Internet-based telephony often called VoWi-Fi or Voice Over WiFi has received the final approval from the Telecom Commission, as suggested by Telecom Regulatory Authority of India.

This means that users would be able to make SIM-less calls officially now.

Analysts are hailing this as a big, positive move for the consumers. This also means that usage of Whatsapp and other messenger apps for voice calls can come down.

Now Call Using WiFi To Landline, Mobile!

Internet-based telephony works like a magic for those subscribers, who are in low-signal areas. If your phone doesn’t have mobile coverage, then you can easily opt for SIM-less calling, which uses WiFi from broadband for making calls.

Both landlines and mobiles can be called via Internet telephony.

Interestingly, when BSNL launched this service under app-based calling mechanism last year, then every telecom operator, except Jio had opposed the move. They had complained to TRAI that this violates licensing agreements.

Now, as Govt. has approved Internet Telephony, it will benefit all telecom operators and unleash a new wave of user-friendly initiatives.

Govt. of India allowing Internet telephony is a big step, as this is banned in some countries due to security reasons.

How Will Internet Telephony Work?

In the coming days, telecom operators will provide an app to be downloaded, using which Internet-based telephone calls can be made.

Say you are an Airtel user. Now, you can download Jio’s internet telephony app, and use any WiFi connection to make calls to broadband or mobile phones.

A new 10-digit mobile number will be issued, when you use such Internet telephony app from any telecom operator. It seems that a separate license shall be issued to those telecom operators, who wish to provide Internet telephony.

Arvind Kumar, advisor at TRAI said,

“For example, you may be using an Airtel SIM for your existing telecom needs, but may later download a Jio internet telephony app for which you will get a new and different number. This app can be used to make calls using broadband..”

Whatsapp, Skype To Get Affected?

Yes, in a major way.

Whatsapp, Skype and other apps already provide Internet calling facility, which uses the Internet for calls.

However, now as Internet telephony has been allowed, users will go for telecom operators because they can provide a unique 10-digit number as well, which is not the case with Whatsapp or any other messenger apps.

Now, the onus should be to spread broadband connectivity, so that Internet-based calling gets more boost, and residents of areas where mobile network coverage is low can effectively use WiFi-based calling.

We will keep you updated.