Using Voip In Thailand Legal?

[giffarine]

Using VoIP to make overseas calls from Thailand legal?

[Para]

No not at all this is the the way the Internet Cafe shops can offer such a low international calling rate.

Are you looking to run VoIP from home?

[Totster]

No not at all this is the the way the Internet Cafe shops can offer such a low international calling rate.

Are you looking to run VoIP from home?

The OP was asking whether it was legal....

totster

[SMS]

Using VoIP to make overseas calls from Thailand legal?

Using VOIP to make calls direct to telephones overseas is illegal, however using VOIP to call another IP based device is legal.

Using VOIP to call overseas phones is also legal if the service is provided by a company who has been given permission to offer such services in Thailand by CAT.

In otherwords computer to computer is legal.

[astral]

If it is not, then a very large computer company in Bangkok is breaking the law.

They use their corporate IP network for all their inter-office phone calls.

I won't mention the name, but they sound as though they might make a tasty sauce in the UK.

[SMS]

I am not sure, but i think inter office calls via VIOP is legal. it is legal to connect private telephone systems via VOIP, not to sure so dont quote me on this.

If i am correct its only illegal to connect to a public telephone exchange via VOIP.

If the office you say connects to its overseas office and the call is somehow routed to a telephone outside their office then it would be illegal.

[yeti]

Using VOIP to make calls direct to telephones overseas is illegal.

You mean I am breaking the law when I use Skype to call a standard phoneline in Europe? Shame on me then

[CobraSnakeNecktie]

I think a lot of other things are illegal in Thailand like prostitution, driving on the sidewalk, corruption and a long list of other things.

So don't sweat it.... not being enforced anyway :-)

[Amethyst]

Im using IP Phone myself and it saves me alot So if its illegal they might as well ban the use of Skype,MSN,Yahoo or other services that gives low charges to international destination calls

[SMS]

skype msn and yahoo also offer a lot of other services like computer to computer calls, text messaging, which in no way are illegal.

blocking skype would not sound good to the public as skype to skype calls are popular in the business comunity in many asian companies.

If the authorities knew of an easy way to limit the capability of skype only to block calls from skype to a normal phone they would have done it.

There is a clear verdict that no thai company can offer these services(unless they pay some license fees and use CAT's gateway), i am not too sure how illegal it is for consumers to use these services.

[giffarine]

No not at all this is the the way the Internet Cafe shops can offer such a low international calling rate.

Are you looking to run VoIP from home?

Yes I’m testing VoIP, with it virtual access anywhere I made IDD calls from Thailand & elsewhere. It is cheaper then Internet Cafes. The system is unlimited IDD calls using normal table phone instead of headsets. Meanwhile conducting research how popularity in Thailand about VoIPs.

[giffarine]

skype msn and yahoo also offer a lot of other services like computer to computer calls, text messaging, which in no way are illegal.

blocking skype would not sound good to the public as skype to skype calls are popular in the business comunity in many asian companies.

If the authorities knew of an easy way to limit the capability of skype only to block calls from skype to a normal phone they would have done it.

There is a clear verdict that no thai company can offer these services(unless they pay some license fees and use CAT's gateway), i am not too sure how illegal it is for consumers to use these services.

What I knew thru my researches till now are all VoIP’s IP providers including International calling cards, Skype, Yahoo & Msn, etc. have to pay end termination charges to any countries concerned should their customers/subscribers making calls to their destination.

As calling into Thailand provinces & mobile, IP providers either pays termination chargers per calls base in minutes or purchase line routing & air times. No chargers calling all Bangkok 662xxxxxxx

VoIP come with a US base area code IP number. Example, my sample sets are 315-207xxxx & 619-618xxxx. With virtual access anywhere making IDD calls thru Broadband [without using any computer] dial 011 + country code + area code + phone or mobile numbers. Even in Bangkok calling Bangkok dial 011-662-6938xxx. Making any calls from any countries using the same US IDD access outgoing code 011.

Meanwhile my test sets is not program to call all Thailand/Mobiles except Bangkok [662] only, because my principal IP provider have not make agreement with Thai authorities on their end termination charges. My research test program is unlimited calls to 29 countries, interest readers may refer to Commercial Ads section “Business in Thailand, Job in Thailand” in this wander forum website.

My legal advisers commented since VoIP is using internet based calls with a dial tone from a US base phone number, making an IDD calls is nothing illegal, also has a US assigned callable number. Moreover I can still call any province’s landlines & mobiles but have to pay an additional charge to IP provider, which in return they have to pay TOT, CAT, AIS, DTAC, Orange, etc on end termination chargers, same as what other IP provider/networks & call back services including International calling cards.

Hope the above explanations can clear any doubts should our existing members are using VoIP making IDD calls from Thailand or into Thailand.

[giffarine]

Im using IP Phone myself and it saves me alot So if its illegal they might as well ban the use of Skype,MSN,Yahoo or other services that gives low charges to international destination calls

If I’m given a chance, would like you to test our sample set in your office/home making unlimited IDDS calls to 29 countries using standard desk phone or wireless analoge/digital phones. NO obligations on your part as we are conducting research in Bangkok. Thank you.

[Amethyst]

If I’m given a chance, would like you to test our sample set in your office/home making unlimited IDDS calls to 29 countries using standard desk phone or wireless analoge/digital phones. NO obligations on your part as we are conducting research in Bangkok. Thank you.

29 Countries including UK mobile phone ?

[SMS]

My legal advisers commented since VoIP is using internet based calls with a dial tone from a US base phone number, making an IDD calls is nothing illegal, also has a US assigned callable number. Moreover I can still call any province’s landlines & mobiles but have to pay an additional charge to IP provider, which in return they have to pay TOT, CAT, AIS, DTAC, Orange, etc on end termination chargers, same as what other IP provider/networks & call back services including International calling cards.

Maybe this is correct, but would it be legal for a Thai company to sell these services locally?

How does it matter if your account has a US based assignable number or not? Does it mean that if i use only skypeout it may be illegal, but if i also have skypein (with a US based assignable number) it makes it legal?

I use similar device as to what you mention from a Malaysian VOIP company and i know their Thai representative, he told me they would be setting a gateway in thailand to allow Thais to call abroad, but they do need to purchase minutes for all IDD calls from CAT's gateway, they cant use the international gateways.

In thailand they arent allowed to sell top-up cards for adding value to the user accounts, ppl gotta do it online.

They dont market their product yet in thailand, but they told me that selling their VOIP box (2 port FXS designed to work only with their gateway) would be legal as long as it is marketed for making box to box(or IP to IP) calls. This is unless they minutes for IDD calls from CAT.

There are a couple of VOIP services from Thai companies but they all do seem to have *partnership* with CAT.

I am a little confused on what is the legality from the customers point of view, using such services, paying online to the service provider abroad.

Starting this year there have been news that Thai ISPs can apply to get license to offer ISS services, but i dont have much knowledge about that.

[giffarine]

If I’m given a chance, would like you to test our sample set in your office/home making unlimited IDDS calls to 29 countries using standard desk phone or wireless analoge/digital phones. NO obligations on your part as we are conducting research in Bangkok. Thank you.

29 Countries including UK mobile phone ?

These are the 29 countries.

Unlimited call to:

Cell/Mobile phones included.

US, Canada, Hong Kong, China, Malaysia, Singapore & Mexico city-Guadalajara-Puabla-Monterrey-Agusacalientes

Landlines:

Australia, Chile, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand,

Northern Ireland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Scotland, South Korea, Spain, Sweden,

Switzerland, Taiwan, UK, Russia [Moscow & St Petersburg]

Israel [not include cellular & paltel] Thailand [bangkok only]

[Amethyst]

But the service im using currently offering me free local calls including mobile and also to 30 other destination...

giffarine which IP phone model are you using? can u give me more info's on the Hardware ?

[giffarine]

Maybe this is correct, but would it be legal for a Thai company to sell these services locally?

I don’t know is there any Thai company sell these locally. Answer maybe from this ICT Expo starting 2nd August 2006 http://www.bangkokictexpo.com/home.htm present by The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology.

[Crushdepth]

VOIP was slated to be formally legalised sometime around now. I haven't kept up with it but I've met a few companies that are currently applying for licenses so I suspect that it has already happened.

I have no idea what the regulations are though.

[giffarine]

But the service im using currently offering me free local calls including mobile and also to 30 other destination...

giffarine which IP phone model are you using? can u give me more info's on the Hardware ?

Nice to know your free local calls including mobiles, what about the 30 destinations & it countries? I also like to know more with my research & market survey.

Ours, an account come with 2 systems, assign a permanent IP phone number.

[1] A small portable set connect to broadband without switching ON the computer, using normal analog phone/wireless digital phone to make calls. Useful especially while traveling, this portable unit can access anywhere with hi-speed internet [minimum 256kpbs] example most hotels have hi-speed connection in rooms, just use the room telephone, internet cafes, associate offices, etc.

[2] Download software “soft phone” to PC or Laptop, dial from the screen, talks with headset or with Mic. or VoIP phones with USB. This soft phone can record incoming & outgoing conversations. Wifi enable, can make similar incoming/outgoing calls.

Both systems can make calls together at the same time. Soft phone can be in office, portable set be at home or vise verse.

Soon….. With Wifi & personal wireless expending, new generation PDAs could make calls with soft phone fixtures, similar to the above [2] become mobiles.

All members are welcome to contact us to arrange an appointment for free trials in your office/homes [bangkok areas] to test & hear the sound clarity, speeds without echo & transmission delays….without any obligations.

[giffarine]

VOIP was slated to be formally legalised sometime around now. I haven't kept up with it but I've met a few companies that are currently applying for licenses so I suspect that it has already happened.

I have no idea what the regulations are though.

We are also looking into the possibility to set up an office in Bangkok to promote, provide technical supports, after-sale services once HQ has manage to enter an agreement with relevant authority as currently the termination changes are high which is not suitable to provide unlimited call to all parts of Thailand & mobiles. Currently only Bangkok code 662-xxxxxxx

[giffarine]

How does it matter if your account has a US based assignable number or not? Does it mean that if i use only skypeout it may be illegal, but if i also have skypein (with a US based assignable number) it makes it legal?

It can’t be illegal since we are using internet US base IP number’s dial tones to make an IDD call, same as computer to computer with webcams, teleconferences, emails etc.

[giffarine]

I use similar device as to what you mention from a Malaysian VOIP company and i know their Thai representative, he told me they would be setting a gateway in thailand to allow Thais to call abroad, but they do need to purchase minutes for all IDD calls from CAT's gateway, they cant use the international gateways.

In thailand they arent allowed to sell top-up cards for adding value to the user accounts, ppl gotta do it online.

They dont market their product yet in thailand, but they told me that selling their VOIP box (2 port FXS designed to work only with their gateway) would be legal as long as it is marketed for making box to box(or IP to IP) calls. This is unless they minutes for IDD calls from CAT.

There are a couple of VOIP services from Thai companies but they all do seem to have *partnership* with CAT.

VoIP is going to be very competitive globalization communication business. To what I know 2 or 3 companies came up with unlimited calling packages by paying a monthly flat rate where users can choose different calling plans. This may force out those who offers pre-paid calling cards, purchase credit advance in accounts. Users can’t monitor how the credited amount is deducted when making IDD calls. Usually the deductions are more then the rates advertised as most subscribers didn’t bother to note the duration of calls.

How low is monthly fix-rate consider low for unlimited calls, it all depends on the user’s usages. Since unlimited, thus making more IDD calls to stay in touch with family members, friends & associates, etc. Become “call more pay less system” with cost control.

Company provide unlimited calling normally give an allowance of 3,000 calling minutes per month regardless to any countries within chosen respective calling plans. Or monthly average usage or 18,000 minutes for 6 months period.

One came with compensation plans, giving out reasonable commissions to existing subscribers who are interested in promoting the services. One either can be just a customer/subscriber or enrol as affiliates.

VoIP indeed with bring a new revolution in future telecommunications.

[giffarine]

Throughout our surveys till today, bandwidth speeds is essential in any VoIP products. Most VoIP systems require minimum 256kbps, better with faster speeds. Lately True hi-speed broadband having too much variation with disparity speeds. Positive report after trials are our sets could works fairly well with as low as 150kbps without distortions.

Have anyone test other IP providers who encounter the same problems, please offer feedbacks. Thank you.

[CobraSnakeNecktie]

Throughout our surveys till today, bandwidth speeds is essential in any VoIP products. Most VoIP systems require minimum 256kbps, better with faster speeds. Lately True hi-speed broadband having too much variation with disparity speeds. Positive report after trials are our sets could works fairly well with as low as 150kbps without distortions.

Have anyone test other IP providers who encounter the same problems, please offer feedbacks. Thank you.

When you say VOIP systems what are you talking about? A SIP/IAX/MGCP phone or softphone are you talking about a server such as Asterisk PBX. If your talking about a client phone it takes nowhere near that bandwidth. A single SIP/IAX session uses less than 20kb. The key is minimum latency to getting a good VOIP session. Of course if your using a dial in and do anything else then the quality will start sucking really bad.

If you use 256K vs 512K thru a network like TTT/Maxnet then you will notice nothing different in terms of quality provided its using the same network topology and has the same packet latency and percentage of dropped packets.

[giffarine]

The system we are testing pre-config Sip server, proxy, user friendly, just plug in to any hi-speed internet & call using normal analog telephone.

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