Airtel to charge more for internet calls

NEW DELHI: Get ready to pay more when you use your mobile data connection to make Skype calls. Mobile operator Airtel has changed its terms and conditions for 3G and 2G data plans following which the telco will exclude Voice over IP services (VoIP), including both incoming as well as outgoing calls from internet data plans. The new terms were first spotted by Telecom Talk. According to the new terms and conditions listed on Airtel's website, VoIP over data connectivity would be charged at standard data rates of 4p / 10KB for 3G service and 10p / 10KB for 2G service. This means you'll pay extra charges for data when you make a Skype, Viber or Line call even if you subscribe to a data plan instead of the data used being deducted from your monthly allowance. Moreover, 2G users would pay more even when they get lower data speeds. Responding to TOI Tech's query on the new terms, an Airtel spokesperson said, "We have made some revisions in the composition of our data packs, and will offer VoIP (Voice over internet protocol) connectivity through an independent pack that will be launched shortly. Our customers can continue enjoying voice calls over data connectivity by opting for this VoIP pack, or simply use VoIP services on pay-as-you-go basis." The spokesperson also informed that Video chat services including FaceTime and Skype Video will not be charged differently. A cooling off period of six months applies for existing users. This means if you activated your data connection last month, you'll get five more months before being switched to the new rates. The move comes at a time when the world is debating net neutrality and in a way penalizes users for making free internet based calls. It appears as anti-net neutrality as Airtel is making users pay differently for services that potentially affect its business. Ideally, internet providers should charge all services at the same rate. Indian mobile operators say that they have made big investments in creating networks and OTT players are getting a free run. Earlier, Vodafone India MD and CEO Marten Pieters had said that the government should tax over the top (OTT) players like WhatsApp, Viber, Hike and Facebook as they are getting a "free ride" on telecom networks without paying for spectrum or any other fee. Interestingly, in August, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) had decided against a proposal of telecom operators to make companies that offer internet services share part of their revenue with them or the government. It had also said that it was examining Airtel's data packages offering access to services like Facebook and WhatsApp for fixed but nominal amounts to determine whether they amount to "preferential access." It's worth pointing out that Airtel had previously launched One Touch Internet under which it was offering select services from specific partners under free trial data packs.   TOI