In the global mobile landscape, instant messaging (IM), including over the top (OTT) messaging apps, has seen explosive growth. This technology, now a key element of any UC system, offers a simple, comprehensive way to communicate. It can make a real impact in the way users interact with others in their personal and business life. Use of these apps is booming on personal devices, but even companies have their own instant messages services to facilitate communications between employees and with clients.
Many are the companies that are now offering VoIP and IM services throughout the globe. One of the available options is by Airtel (News - Alert), an Indian multinational telecommunications services company that has launched its own messaging and VoIP app: Airtel Talk. The application is available for iOS and Android (News - Alert) smartphones.
Until now, Indian telecom companies had been complaining to Telecom Regulatory Authority of India or TRAI about OTT players eating away their revenues (especially due to a sharp decrease in the use of SMS) and asked to implement charges for free mobile apps companies. Airtel’s messaging and VoIP application is the company’s way to gain a share of the new market.
“This launch of a messaging & VoIP app can be termed as a direct challenge to other OTT players such as WhatsApp, Viber and Line,” noted a post last week by Trak.in, an IT source in India, regarding Airtel Talk, Airtel’s Own Messaging / VoIP App.
As explained by Bharti Airtel (News - Alert) Hong Kong Ltd. that announced the launch of ‘Airtel Talk’ – an all-in-one communication application that facilitates easy and affordable calls into India – this new mobile application is targeted at Indians overseas looking for economical options to call back to India. The service would take advantage of the rise of international communication traffic to and from India. Airtel, which has operations in 20 countries across Asia and Africa, aims to connect the many Indians who have left their country to its massive subscriber base of over 300 million as well as to others abroad, said Ajay Chitkara, CEO – Global Business, Bharti Airtel. He adds that Indians residing abroad and making frequent international calls can now choose from a range of dedicated Airtel Talk plans.
Airtel Talk works over the Internet, so it does not replace a regular phone line. Rather, it is a VoIP service and instant messaging client that enables subscribers to easily call any fixed line or mobile phone across the globe using an Internet connection (i.e., Wi-Fi access or 3G/4G services), with cheaper calling rates than traditional phone plans. In addition, the client receives free instant messaging, audio/video calling and conference calls services.
Once clients are registered with their mobile number, Airtel talk enables users, via a subscription plan, to chat free with their contacts using instant messaging. To publicize the offer, the company is also offering 10 minutes of free India calling to any landline and mobile number for every new registration.
Edited by Alisen Downey