Geodesic to Launch Landline Based VoIP Services
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Geodesic Information Systems had said previously that it plans to extend its software voice over internet protocol (VOIP) suite with the launch of VoIP hardware phones in FY 2008-09. Well, that story has now been confirmed by ET.
Is VoIP in India Legal?
Making local calls using VoIP is illegal in India. Users in India can make VoIP-originated outbound calls to International locations. I’m assuming that Geodesic has acquired a license or plans to soon because the only reason why VoIP clients such as Skype and Vonage are being discouraged is because they sell without a license.
Geodesic already has an application called Mundu Speak that provides unlimited talk-time access using Voice over IP (VoIP) on your Mobile phone. It is now launching the IP Phone – an Internet-enabled landline phone. Callers can use a phone with an Internet cable plugged in to make long distance calls in the same way one would use a regular telephone.
The product is similar to the Skype Phone. The only difference is that the Skype phone connects to a Wireless Network. This phone is thus culturally tuned because only a minority in India actually use Wireless Routers (although the number is increasing).
Why didn’t MTNL do this? It is in a perfect position to. It has the capabilities; it will not have a problem with licensing.
MTNL is lazy. More importantly, the VoIP revenues will be significantly lower than their PSTN (landline and mobile) revenues (in which they have already invested in terms of infrastructure). On VoIP, users will only pay 60 – 70 paise for a call to the US. They are currently paying Rs. 5 – Rs. 6.
In the US, consumers typically pay 5 – 7 cents, which amounts to 2 – 3 rupees. That number is likely to fall further until voice becomes virtually free.
The IP Phone is supposed to be available at just under Rs. 1500 (the Skype Phone was 50 Pounds in the UK) – damn we are competitive!
No word on tie ups with telecom providers so far.
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