Tariff Hike Might Force Users Switch To Messaging Apps For Calls: Report

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All private telecom operators (Reliance Jio, Vodafone Idea, and Airtel) have finally increased tariff prices. Now, it has been reported that this tariff hike is likely to increase calls made over OTT messaging apps such as Facebook Messenger, Whatapp, Viber, and etc, the Economic Times reported.

 
Tariff Hike Might Force Users Switch To Messaging Apps For Calls

According to the report, this move by operators will boost data consumption in the country. "In a plan with voice tariff hiked and data price being same, calling will shift to OTT," International Data Corporation's India research director Navkendar Singh was quoted by ET. Adding to that, "Voice-over-OTT apps using WiFi for connectivity could also rise, as WiFi connectivity at home and public places expand."

 

For the unaware, these telecom operators have raised the prices of tariffs by 40 to 42 percent to increase their ARPU. Analysts also expect another price hike in the tariffs next year. In fact, there are chances that people will make fewer calls, after this tariff hike. But data consumption might increase due to OTT calls.

"WhatsApp/OTT calls will still invite the new data tariffs, so there will be some positive impact on overall revenue," Rajan Mathews, the director-general of the Cellular Operators Association of India was quoted by the newspaper. However, he thinks that it will not make a major difference in OTT traffic.

On the other hand, sources close to the development expect that this will increase voice calls, as people will use data carefully after this hike. Moreover, the report states that the launching of voice over Wi-Fi will help telecom operators to increase their revenue.

To recall, Airtel has finally announced the voice over Wi-Fi service to enhance the indoor call quality. This service is only available in Delhi NCR, but soon Airtel will launch in other circles too. This service will not require an app download.

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