November 23, 2009

Grameen Cybernet Ltd launched IP (internet protocol) telephony service, offering free calls to customers within the IP network.

Customers with access to the internet can enjoy the offer by using Grameen Cybernet Ltd's (GCL) IP equipment.

GCL is now ready to provide IP-based telephony service to customers, said company officials yesterday at a press conference at the Dhaka Reporters Unity.

Customers will have to buy a router, have an internet connection and a phone set to enjoy IP telephony service, said Masum Billah, deputy manager (operation and technical) of the company.

The GCL router is now available in the market at Tk 5,000 each.

Customers can also make calls to mobile and landline networks at minimum costs through IP telephony.

The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) is yet to finalise the tariff plan, said Billah. "We are trying to keep the call charge below Tk 0.10 a minute."

IP telephony is a general term used to describe the technology that uses the internet protocol's packet-switched connection to exchange voice, fax and other forms of information services.

BTRC issued 32 IP telephony licenses to local internet service providers (ISPs) in August. The voice over internet protocol (VoIP) is allowed under a licensing process alone.

Customers of IP telephony will also get a chance to make overseas calls by just dialling from his or her computer, said Shusmita Talukdar, a software engineer of the company.

She said customers of other ISPs will also receive the IP service. GCL is using open sources to provide IP service, which can save foreign currency as well, she said.

GCL started its internet service business in 1996. The company is serving over 30,000 clients in various sectors.

Source: The Dailystar