)"The authority is of the view that as per the present licensing framework, internet telephony service can be provided independent of the internet access service. In other words, the internet telephony service is un-tethered from the underlying access (or mobile) network," Trai said in its 'Recommendations on Regulatory framework for Internet Telephony', which have been submitted to the telecom ministry.The regulator has pitched internet calling as a useful and cost-effective alternative for making voice calls. But through an internet telephony player, he will now be provided such a facility through an app which he may download on his smartphone and use whenever required. "The regulator has suggested that "necessary clarification" may be issued by telecom ministry regarding internet telephony service. "If department of telecom has a different understanding, Trai recommends that it may issue amendment to access service licences so that internet telephony service is untethered from the underlying access network."

Source: Times of India October 24, 2017 20:00 UTC