Airtel not to roll back VoIP tariff hike

NEW DELHI: Even as the government looks into its plans to charge higher tariff for internet telephony players like Skype, Viber and Line, Airtel refused to cow down under pressure and said it will stick to its decision.

"Pre-paid customers who have purchased data plans before December 24 are entitled to use all services opted-for till their packs are consumed or expire, following which, the new terms and conditions on VoIP usage will apply," the company said.

Airtel said it has made huge investments in setting up its telecom network. "We believe that VoIP services in their current form are not tenable for us as a business.

As a result, we will charge separately for VoIP services." It launched an exclusive pack for VoIP services, pricing it at Rs 75 for 75MB with a validity of 28 days. "This will allow customers to make between 200 and 250 minutes of calling."