Dot Rings In Jarring Tone For Global Calling Cards

[@ksh@T 20]

NEW DELHI: The Department of Telecom (DoT) has mandated that while customers can buy international roaming SIM cards and global calling cards of foreign telcos in India, the same cannot be used for making or receiving calls within the country.

Currently, international roaming SIMs as well as global calling cards of several global long-distance operators can be bought in India. However, these are largely purchased by Indians who travel abroad as it is more economical when compared to using their own mobile connections on account of the exorbitant international roaming rates.

“The cards being offered to Indian customers will be for use only outside India. These cards cannot be used in India for making outgoing as well as receiving incoming calls while in India. Proper proof of the customer shall be maintained like photocopy of the passport (before the card is sold to any person). Customers will also not be permitted to make calls from India using this card,” the DoT said in a directive.

Sources say that the DoT move is based on security grounds. This is because, if these cards are used within the country, it would not be possible to ensure that all calls are routed through national and international long distance operators who are licensed to offer services in India.

The DoT has also laid down strict guidelines for players who sell both international roaming SIM cards and global calling cards in the country. Agencies and outlets who sell these cards must first obtain a no objection certificate (NoC) from the DoT. Besides, if the agency must also furnish a copy of an agreement with the foreign telecom company of which it wants to sell the card.

Importantly, the DoT has also laid the onus on the seller of such cards in India to furnish certificates from the respective foreign companies confirming the blocking of Indian origination of calls on these cards. The seller in India must also submit the procedure of making the calls from any country including a list of codes being used for making calls from various countries, the DoT directive added.

The DoT directive also states that foreign telecom companies, who wish to sell their cards in India, must take the requisite clearances from government agencies, including the customs department.

With regard to tourists and others who purchase such cards from abroad for use when they travel to India, the DoT has said that foreign telcos, who sell these cards must ‘ensure that traffic originated in other countries for termination in India will be routed through the valid international long distance (ILD) licensee and valid ILD gateways