Government allows 3G video calls again

The government on Thursday, granted permission to make video calls on 3G mobile networks subject to an undertaking being provided by the service providers that they shall account for lawful interception of such calls by July 31.

The matter regarding carriage of video calls in the network of 3G mobile service providers was under consideration of the government, as it was noted that the intercepted video calls were not being delivered to the security agencies in the desired manner.

Earlier, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) had asked the service providers to stop 3G services which includes video calling facilities till they abide by the security rules.

According to the Government, the service providers were unable to send details of the video calls immediately to DoT for monitoring. The government’s protocol demands that the details could be given few minutes after completion of the call.

The DoT had also conveyed to the service providers that if the demonstration is not up to the satisfaction, the service providers stand committed to cancel their video call services.