According to industry experts in India, Videsh Sanchar Nigam Ltd, India’s state owned monopoly international distance carrier and ISP, cannot claim that internet telephony is illegal as it is not mentioned in the Indian Post and Telegraph Act. The Act, which governs telecom policy issues, was drafted in 1885. The internet policy, announced recently, states that private ISPs would not be allowed to provide internet telephony services, but does not state that it is illegal. Telecom analysts in India say that while the use of the internet for voice is not common as yet, it could soon be, unless a new act is passed.
