The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has informed that the licensing framework for audio conferencing, audiotex and voice mail services will be a part of unified licence, going forward. Currently, standalone licence for services like audiotex and voice mail services are being issued by the telecom department as per the existing norms.
The DoT, after examining the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) recommendations on ‘licensing framework for audio conferencing/ audiotex/ voice mail services’, has decided to make this license a part of the unified licence (UL) by adding a new chapter for this authorisation. Meanwhile, the migration from the existing licence to unified licence will be optional for existing licensees holding VMS/ audiotex/ UMS licence.
The new framework will be effective from January 1, 2022. The licence fees of the new licensees and existing licensees will be eight per cent of adjusted gross revenue (AGR), which is at par with other licensees of unified licence.
In addition, the audio conferencing unit can be connected to both public switched telephone network (PSTN)/ mobile and internet protocol (IP) network as per norms. The dial-out facility will be allowed even if using resources of more than one access service provider, subject to licence conditions. Also, point-to-point conferencing has been allowed for providing services to registered enterprises in India.
