VoIP rules out soon

BANGKOK: -- The “voiceover Internet protocol” market will likely start opening up within a month. Sudharma Yoonaidharma, a member of the National Telecommunications Commission, said yesterday the NTC board is expected to approve the final VoIP regulations by late this month.

The regulations authorise Internet service providers (ISPs) that already have a Type-1 licence to provide the service without needing to apply for a VoIP licence.

Type 1 is for ISPs without a large, dedicated network.

The VoIP technology enables the delivery of voice services over IP networks, including the Internet.

The NTC has already awarded Type-1 licences to more than 17 companies looking to offer Internet access.

Sudharma said companies wanting to offer VoIP on their own large networks would have to apply for another kind of licence and pay 5 per cent of their annual revenue to the NTC. The terms are expected to be finalised for this licence this month.

CAT Telecom Plc carries VoIP calls on its network.

--The Nation 2005-12-01

or just use Skype or one of the many other free programs with broadband