3G roll out set to boost Indian VoIP solutions

The roll out of the 3G mobile network in India will help improve access to VoIP solutions, it has been claimed.

Previously, the 3G network was only offered by government owned operators MTNL and BSNL but licenses were awarded to private firms in April which will expand 3G further.

The growth of the technology will enable more consumers to benefit from using mobile IP telephony solutions.

Sanjit Chatterjee, director of global marketing and strategy for VoIP operator Reve Systems Singapore, expressed his belief that customers will be able to reduce their phone bills.

He told indiatimes.com: "Mobile phone customers with 3G subscriptions will be able to replace high cost international long distance calls by making VoIP calls for as little as one-tenth to one-eighth of the cost with the introduction of the mobile VoIP applications by internet telephony service providers."

An average call from India to the US would cost up to ten rupees (14p) per minute but mobile VoIP users could make the same call for just one rupee (1p), according to Mr Chatterjee.