Local WhatsApp, Viber, Skype calls may no longer be free

A high-level government committee has upheld the concept of net neutrality, but its recommendations have raised some major concerns for consumers and startups. Those hooked to applications like WhatsApp, Skype and Viber may no longer be able to make free domestic calls (barring negligible data charges) through these voice over internet protocol (VoIP) services. However, instant messaging and international calls through these services will remain free, if these recommendations are implemented.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has now released a much-awaited report [PDF] on the Net Neutrality issue, recommending the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to regulate the voice calls conducted by the Internet users of over-the-top (OTT) services.

Over 100 pages-long report details the DoT's understanding of Net Neutrality Principles, which has been criticized by consumer groups because it could End Free domestic voice calls offered by apps like WhatsApp and Skype.

The committee points out that "India is the land of the Buddha, who preached the middle path". But in its effort to follow his philosophy, the report may end up satisfying nobody — something the six-member DoT panel is probably aware of. So, the over 100-page report says, "The committee unhesitatingly recommends that the core principles of net neutrality must be adhered to", but then qualifies: "Clearly, the debate on Net Neutrality is multi-dimensional and solution to this cannot therefore be unidimensional."

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