Microsoft has announced that it will be making some changes to its Skype service in India from the 10th of November. Users of Skype in India will no longer be able to make calls to mobile phones and also landlines in India from next month.
Users will still be able to make Skype calls to mobile phones and also landlines, which are outside of India, and customers in other countries will be able to make calls to people in India using Skype.
Impact on Users
This change is expected to have a significant impact on the way people in India use Skype. Many users rely on Skype for both personal and business communications, and the inability to call local mobile phones and landlines could force them to seek alternative services. For instance, businesses that use Skype for customer support or sales calls within India will need to find other solutions, potentially increasing their operational costs.
Additionally, individuals who use Skype to stay in touch with family and friends within India will also be affected. They may need to switch to other VoIP services or traditional phone services, which could be less convenient or more expensive.
Possible Reasons for the Change
There are no details as yet on exactly why these changes are being brought into Skype calls to mobiles and landlines in India from next month. However, there are several potential reasons that could be behind this decision. One possibility is regulatory issues. The Indian government has strict regulations regarding VoIP services, and it’s possible that Microsoft is making these changes to comply with local laws.
Another potential reason could be related to business strategy. Microsoft may be looking to push users towards other communication tools or services that it offers, such as Microsoft Teams. By limiting Skype’s functionality, they could be encouraging users to adopt these other platforms.
You can see an official statement from Skype below.
“If you’ve bought a subscription to India specifically to call within the country, you can cancel your subscription to avoid being billed in the future.
Keep in mind that before 10 November 2014, you can still use your subscription and Skype Credit to call within India, so be sure to use up any remaining minutes or credit you have before then.”
Alternatives to Skype
For those affected by this change, there are several alternatives to Skype that can be used to make calls within India. Some popular options include:
1. WhatsApp: Owned by Facebook, WhatsApp offers voice and video calling features that are widely used in India. The app is free to use and only requires an internet connection.
2. Google Duo: This is another free service that offers high-quality video and voice calls. It is available on both Android and iOS platforms.
3. Zoom: While primarily known for video conferencing, Zoom also offers VoIP calling features that can be used for both personal and business communications.
4. JioCall: This service is specifically designed for users in India and offers both VoIP and traditional calling features. It is available to Jio network users and provides a seamless calling experience.
5. Viber: Another popular VoIP service, Viber offers free voice and video calls, as well as messaging features. It is widely used around the world and provides a reliable alternative to Skype.
In conclusion, while the upcoming changes to Skype’s service in India may be inconvenient for many users, there are several alternative options available. By exploring these alternatives, users can continue to stay connected with their contacts within India without significant disruption.
Source TNW
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