Airtel Mobile now billing VoIP Calls separately on Cellular Networks?

[kanagadeepan]

Yes. I complained about this on the platinum cc and they immediately said like "no no. It will not come for postpaid customer, especially Corp customers will never be affected by this.". Prepaid Friends it's better to call 198 and confirm themselves.

 

[x720]

For all we know the line was intended to discourage users from using VoIP under the fear of losing balance

 

[Sushubh]

just like roaming which was not supposed to be free but was free

 

[kanagadeepan]

But this will discourage people from using airtel for voip calls and look for other operators also.

 

[Sushubh]

the thing with airtel is that people on airtel are for a very good reason not because they are the best operator out there because they have not been anywhere close to the best for a very long time

 

[x720]

idk, most of my friends who are on airtel are because they believe its the best, which is something indeed considering airtel has little to no coverage inside my college in the heart of the city!

Then again, a few people aren't representative of the larger picture.

 

[x720]

Airtel to charge more for internet calls - The Times of India

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."

Still, how do they plan to identify VoIP traffic..

 

[SVK]

I guess VOIP traffic is sent through specific network ports (check list of ports various services use - List of TCP and UDP port numbers - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) So by blocking specific ports used by VOIP services, they can block VOIP traffic.
For VOIP packs, they can provide access to these ports.
This is just my assumption, but not sure if this is technique actually implemented

 

[chaibiskutbhai]

Jerks of the tallest order.

 

[sachinbr]

Yup they usually identify using port number which is used for communication. But by the time some one thrashed them by law suite or any gov regulation, they would have made enough money.