Chennai: Telecom operator Airtel on Sunday cautioned them that using online meeting apps like Zoom etc. could result in ISD charges in certain instances. “Please use the meeting internet link or toll free dial-in numbers (if available) to avoid ISD charges,” Airtel’s message said. It urged users to avoid dialing international numbers and use internet calling feature or toll-free numbers instead when on video conference calls. Confused users took to social media to complain and seek clarity if all their work-related Zoom calls and online classes attended by their kids on mobile were going to attract ISD charges. Twitter user Kunal Chauhan wrote to Airtel on Twitter asking them to explain why using Zoom app through mobile data gets charged as ISD. Another user Dheeraj Rawat wondered if this was some kind of a joke and asked Airtel to clarify. A few other users on FB expressed heir anger at telecom operators alleging that it was a new way for telcos to make money in the current climate. Telecom industry sources told TOI that in recent months there had been increased cases of first-time users of video conferencing platforms facing bill shocks and disputes with telcos. Users who had sat for meetings on platforms such as Zoom, Webex etc. on their mobiles and had used international dial-in numbers instead of a meeting link for an internet call or a set of toll-free numbers provided in the invite had faced hefty ISD charges in their bills.
One Airtel customer Immanuel R took to Twitter to claim that calls made via Cisco Webex and Zoom had been billed as ISD charges in his postpaid bill.
A spokesperson from Airtel clarified that the message sent was intended to clarify that inadvertently joining video conference by dialing international telephone numbers will result in application of ISD tariff.
The message sent by Airtel follows a guidance note issued by regulator Trai in May cautioning users carefully check all terms and conditions, especially the cost involved, before using any dial-in service of online conferencing platforms.
Both Zoom and Cisco Webex clarify in their FAQ sections that tolled calls will attact charges from telcos.