Yesterday, my Sony Ericsson mobile had gone berserk, getting switched off 50-60 times in a day... In the evening, after office work, I went to the local mobile repair shop. Gave the mobile for repair. While the mobile was getting repaired, I started talking to the shop owner of the little shop, which sold many other tech products which you may not get normally in other shops.

It turned out that he was an innovator at grass-root level, with few innovations, though not patented to his credit, which included a 'Motivator' (to be installed in PNB branches, allegedly) - a device which speaks out motivational quotes every hour on internal loudspeaker; a mobile lift operating device which stops lift at password protected floors, and few others. 

Now, on a mention of 3G video calling by me about which I am very excited and eagerly waiting since my phone is 3G enabled, this guys says: "I don't understand why someone would do a paid video call and not a skype video call if subscribed to 3G."

"I didn't get the logic", I said.

He said, "Here it goes:

I have bought a MTNL 3G card, with unlimited internet package @ Rs. 99 (just like we have on PCs). I remain online on Skype on phone, and have video call with my clients on Skype. That way, I don't have to incur any cost on video calling (which MTNL is offering @ 30paise / min), but do video calling literally for free. 

So, why will someone else incur this cost?"

I was sort of amazed at this newly discovered thought. And in fact, even if we don't consider video call, normal calling can be done on Skype on phone in that case (and not just on the custom-made Skype phones).

If this is possible (I don't know if it is, and to how much extent), will 3G lead to some revenue losses on account of normal and video call revenue to the operators? Shall this include the national and international call revenue as well?

- Correct me if I am wrong, partially or completely. And Do you have more information on this? - What's your view? - Will possible evolution of more Skype-like services widen this hole? - And how are the operators going to plug this hole?

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written by zhu zhu pets, August 28, 2010

silly bandz
power balance

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3G calling
written by Sanjoy Dutta, August 13, 2010

Sir,
Thanks for the topic, It will be helpful for readers.I am already using skype,but fring was much better option for video calls.moreover if you want you can also use sip calls, present in most smart phones and can be used as normal calling phones. the benefit is mostly ISD.and free calls messenger to messenger.

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written by Nimesh Sharma, July 09, 2010

Just a few minutes after I posted this blog, one of my colleagues gave me some gyan on what other options are available which are almost free or very cheap(er), than normal call (esply for international calls) and that a majority of people are not likely to install Skype on their phones.

The options he gave me - International calling cards by operators, Skype credits, and some other fair 'jugaad' he had.
Well, I guess some others shall have some other jugaads as well.

However, I don't agree completely to the point of people not installing Skype on phones. There are lots of cheaper smartphones (however overused this term is) coming in the market, which have the capability of app installation. So, there is a likelihood that more people will install the Skype app, if they can do calling free or for cheaper.

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