Can businesses use VoIP in India?

Voice over IP is disrupting the communication dynamics of the world. But at the same time, there’s also a lot of confusion going around it, especially in India. 

Most businesses are of the perception that they cannot use VoIP in India, while others are simply curious about whether or not they can incorporate cloud-based telecom services and Over-the-top services in their businesses.

However, today, we’ll address all of it. 

Read along!

Busting the myths regarding VoIP

VoIP calling apps such as WhatsApp, Skype, and many more have already become a popular alternative to traditional PSTN-based voice technologies. And there’s no denying the fact that VoIP has obvious advantages over PSTN calls, and that makes it ideal for business calls. For starters, VoIP is highly cost-effective.

But what’s the myth then?

Let’s see!

Myth – 

There’s this perception that using the interconnectivity of VoIP and PSTN/PLMN is illegal in India.

Reality- 

India’s telecom regulator (TRAI) Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, makes sure that –

1. No loss of revenue occurs when the exploitation of national resources takes place.
2. The licensed service providers do not lose their share of the revenue.

Therefore, TRAI has clearly mentioned in its October 2017 recommendation  – 

The telecom service providers in India who have the following licenses are permitted to interconnect VoIP and PSTN/PLMN – 

1. Basic Service License
2. Unified Access Service License (UASL)
3. Cellular Mobile Telecom Service (CMTS) license
4. Unified License (access service)

Now, most cloud telephony providers provide – 

• Making/receiving VoIP calls
• VoIP to PSTN/PLMN interconnection

To do so, they’ll have to obtain numbers from and use the network of their partners – licensed internet service providers and telecommunication service providers. 

So, these ISPs/TSPs need to obtain the licenses while cloud service providers do not need any separate license. 

In case the TSPs/ISPs do not provide Indian numbers, they too wouldn’t have to obtain these licenses.

An amendment to CMTS and UAS License makes it mandatory for telecom service providers to use mobile numbering series for internet telephony. They’re now allowed to allocate the same numbers for both cellular mobile service and internet telephony service.

Reference: Can businesses use VoIP in India?