Microsoft-owned Skype will stop Internet-based calling service calls on landline and mobile phones in India from November 10.
The Internet Service Providers Association of India (ISPAI) has earlier opposed to call services within India by IP companies such as Skype.
Indian telecom regulator will be watching the plans of Viber app that allows users to make internet-based calls and WhatsApp that will offer voice calls shortly.
Skype users will not be able to make calls to phones in India if they are based in India. However, Skype calls to other countries are still enabled for India-based users.
Those travelling outside India can make calls to landline and mobile phones in India.
Skype is offering to refund the users who have been affected by this announcement. The company has also apologized to them in a statement, according to media reports.
Government regulations do not allow such companies to make internet-based calls originating from India. Therefore, such companies reroute the calls (made by India-based users) internationally, thus circumventing the law.
Aryan B
editor@telecomlead.com
