Not that this should have needed clarification, but we're glad that it's been said once and for all: on the confusion over whether Internet Telephony and Internet based messaging is legal in India, and whether services like Skype and Google require a license, Milind Deora, Minister of State for Communications and IT has clarified to the Indian Parliament, the following: - "Unrestricted Internet telephony Services are permitted under the scope of Unified Access Service (UAS) in terms of the UAS Guidelines dated 14th December 2005. Similar provisions are there in Cellular Mobile Telephone Service (CMTS) and Basic Service Licence." This means that telecom operators can provide unrestricted Internet Telephony Services, and can connect to Public Switch Telephone Networks (PSTN), and Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) in India. - "Restricted Internet telephony Services [without connectivity to Public Switch Telephone Network(PSTN) / Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) in India] are permitted under the scope of Internet Service Licence in terms of Internet Service guidelines dated 1st April 2002 and 24th August 2007." This means that ISPs can provide Internet telephony services, as long as they don't terminate the call on a landline or mobile through a public switch network in India. - "...Services like voice call, chat, messaging, video conferencing etc. offered by certain foreign websites including Google, Skype etc. are available in public domain for free use and may be accessible to users through Internet services provided by Licensed Telecom Operators. Applicable charges for Internet services are accordingly levied." This means…
