Airtel 3G shrinks the world with launch of international video calling services

NEW DELHI, INDIA: Have you ever missed sharing a special moment with a loved one living abroad, or wished you could share visual information instantly with your colleagues in the international markets? Now talking with your family, friends and colleagues based overseas is just one video call away.

Bharti Airtel, leading global telecommunications company with operations in 19 countries across Asia and Africa, today announced the launch of its International Video Calling capabilities on 3G for its customers in India. With this, Airtel 3G mobile customers in the country will now be able to leverage Airtel internet on 3G to make international video calls and interact face-to-face with their loved ones and colleagues living abroad - instantly sharing experiences and information.

Launching the service, Atul Bindal, president – Mobile Services, Bharti Airtel, said: “At Airtel, it is our constant endeavor to introduce services that enrich the lives of our customers. As we take the lead in launching International Video Calling on 3G in India, this marks the beginning of a new era of next generation communication in the country - one that will help mobile customers break the barrier of boundaries and instantly connect with their personal and business network across the world.

“Given the high demand of video calling services seen since the launch of Airtel 3G services, we are confident that our customers will see great value from the availability of this capability for international calls as well. We invite our 3 million plus Airtel 3G customers to enjoy this exciting experience.”

Airtel’s International Video Calling is currently available for 227 international geographies. An Airtel 3G customer in India can see and talk with his friends and relatives in USA, Canada, Bangladesh face to face through video call at just Rs. 14/min, while on the move. Similarly, video calls to UAE, Singapore, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and Oman are priced at Rs. 20 per minute.

As a pre-requisite to making ISD video calls, both the caller and the called customer have to be on 3G network and have a front-camera in their 3G handset in their respective countries.