Use iCall and make free and Low Cost Phone call

There are lots of free VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone calling service on the internet around the world. Among those Skype, Google Talk, Yahoo, Vonage and some others are most common and popular to make free Phone calls. These free calls are usually can make in US and Canada.

In this post I am going to tell about another free VoIP Phone Calling service named as iCall. Please read my previous post about various free calling software and services and keep reading for upcoming posts.

Using your existing internet connection such as DSL, Cable, Dial-Up, Wireless and your PC, you can make phone call through VoIP telephony technology to the regular telephone network such as PSTN, Cell Phone. Using iCall anyone can make free and lost cost phone calls to US, Canada and rest of the world.

How can this be free?
Yes this is main question!How can we make free calls using iCall!

iCall uses Voice Over IP (VoIP) technology which utilizes your existing Internet connection (cable, DSL, wireless, or dial-up) and your PC to plug you directly in to the regular telephone network. Stick it to the man - you already pay for your Internet connection, and the Internet is changing everything!

It costs us almost nothing when you make long distance phone calls and we pass that savings on to you by giving you free, or extremely low cost, calls to the US, Canada, and the rest of the world.


For more info on features, please visit their site

Let’s discuss more about iCall:

What is iCall and how does it works?

It’s a computer program that runs smoothly on Microsoft Windows Operating System based Computer or mobile phone etc. The use of iCall is as simple as regular phone. But the technology it use is VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol). Using this you can make Phone calls to any mobile and landline numbers around the world. User can make calls with a low cost. iCall is a free download for all supported devices.
The basic requirements to run iCall is:
* Cable Modem / EDGE Modem
* DSL / Broadband
* 3G / GSM mobile Networks
* Fiber optic networks (FIOS)
* Office LAN/Ethernet

Some FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Ques: Why would I use this?
Ans: At a friends house? Have no signal? Traveling? Just like free stuff? There are lots of great reasons to use iCall for the web.

Ques: Is this really free?
Ans: Yep. Free. As in it costs you zero, zip, nada zilch.

Ques: Can I call back after I'm disconnected?
Ans: Absolutely!

Ques: What are the limitations?
Ans: Other than the length of the call there are none, you can talk for 3 minutes at which point your call will be disconnected.

Ques: I'm having problems with the Web version where can I get help?
Ans: Open a new support ticket or the knowledge base.

Ques: What is iCall for the iPhone?
Ans: iCall for the iPhone is the best VoIP application for your Apple iPhone.

Ques: How do I get iCall for the iPhone? Is it a free app?
Ans: iCall for the iPhone is available exclusively from the Apple App store, it is a FREE download.

Ques: Does iCall for the iPhone work over 3G?
Ans: Yes! iCall works on your 3G data connection. Please note that connection quality and speed may vary depending on your signal strength and location.

Ques: Does iCall for the iPhone work on the iPod Touch?
Ans: Yes! Using the headset/microphone combination available from the Apple Store, iPod Touch users can also use iCall for the iPhone!

Ques: Is iCall for the iPhone Free?
Ans: The application is a free download from the Apple App Store. After downloading you must create an account, which enables a free trial of the product, allowing you to make phone calls and test the application to determine if iCall for the iPhone is a product that you would like to continue using.

Ques: Is iCall really free?
Ans: Yes! There is no cost or hidden charge to use iCall to make or receive phone calls.

Ques: How can it be free? What's the catch?
Ans: With the free calling version of iCall, you will hear a brief advertisement before we connect your call. These ads are generally less than 10 seconds. As well, you may see text advertisements within the iCall application that are related to the businesses you are calling or the searches you do within the application.

Ques: Which phone calls are free?
Ans: All phone calls that you make to the USA and Canada are completely free, all calls that you receive are completely free regardless of where the caller is located. As well, all calls between iCall users are free.

Ques: How can I receive free phone calls?
Ans: With the iCall Free Calling version, friends or family can call any of the local access numbers, enter your extension, and be connected instantly. Your callers can pick a telephone number that is local to them, currently we offer access numbers in most major metropolitan areas in the USA and Canada.

Ques: How do I become an iCall Total Access user?
Ans: Simply download and install iCall Free Calling. Once you have created your free account and logged in, you will see a tab on the right that says "Total Access". Simply click that and follow the instant activation procedure to go pro!

Ques: I am interested in inexpensive domestic or international SIP termination and/or origination, where can I find more information?
Ans: Visit the iCall carrier services home page to find out more about our wholesale product line.

Ques: Does iCall offer white labeled versions of it's software?
Ans: Yes, we do offer white labeled version, please contact us for more information.

More about iCall

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Technology in Banglatrac, Mirtelecom, Novotel

Banglatrac, Novotel and Mirtel are the three licensed IGW (International Gateway) Provider in Bangladesh. Except those another provider is BTCL (Bangladesh Telecommunications Company Limited) which is Bangladesh Government's own organization. In this post Some basic technology using in these three IGW provider - Banglatrac, Novotel and Mirtel will discussed:

Banglatrac:

Core Equipments:

• Installed a State-of-the-art Ericsson end-to-end solution with the following features:

• Telephony Server (TeS) based on Ericsson AXE 810 act as the Switching Platform (Call Control Function) which is operating on EIN 3.1.

• Interconnected Platform based on Ericsson AXD 301.

• Media Gateway (MGW) based on AXD 301.

• The system supports clear channel and VoIP calls and it can handle up to 20,000 concurrent calls.

• Redback router SE400 and Juniper ISG 2000 Firewall for Network security.

Connectivity:

Using TDM interfaces (at E1 and STM-1 level connectivity) and GE interfaces at Switch side. Routing all traffic through the SEA-ME-WE4 (SMW4) submarine cable as per Company license obligation. Beside this 10% of the total capacity of calls are handle directly with Satellite link. PoPs with softswitches in London and Hong Kong and both locations are connected via STM-1 level connectivity. These two Pops are connected using cable systems across the Pacific and Atlantic Ocean which will help reduce possibility of congestion, improve efficiency and increase diversity.

For more details: http://www.banglatraccommunications.com

Novotel:

 

Technology:

Connected via multiple STM-1 based TDM circuits with local operators in Bangladesh to cater highest level of Voice Quality. Multiple STM-1 links for international connectivity through SEA-ME-WE-4 submarine cable which is using both TDM circuits and IP- Internet Protocol (SIP and H.323) to maintain the quality of service. (QoS).

• 24 hours NOC support with skilled support personnel.

• NGN Class-4 Architecture.

• Support for H.323, SIP and TDM based interconnects with protocol and codec conversion facility.

• Billing system from INTEC - a leader in Interconnect Billing in the world.

• Redundant transmission link using VSAT.

• Network security ensured against DoS attacks and network anomalies.

For further information go to their site:http://www.novotel-bd.com/

Mirtel:

Network and  Device: 

Using a unique approach of information technology Mirtel is connecting Bangladesh in the international information super highway daily. Mirtel is one of the pioneer IGW provider of Bangladesh and its main focus is always latest technology in the Telecommunication era.

• Mirtel is using carrier class NGN (Next Generation Network) platform with all available update Protocols, Secured and Intelligent devices with redundant capacity and connectivity in the network to satisfy customers requirements and secure their investments.

• Mirtel Core Network supports all latest protocols with all codec.

• 5th Generation Routers to handle GSR

• Transmission with higher cross-connects capacity and can evaluate to all IP.

For further details go to http://mirtelecom-bd.com/

IGW-International Gateway Guidelines | Bangladesh-2

5. LICENSE PROCEDURE AND BIDDING PROCESS

The Licenses will be awarded through an open competitive bidding/auction process. The Commission, after evaluating the applications submitted, will send out invitation to pre-qualified bidders to participate in the Bid/auction. The process to be followed is annexed as APPENDIX – I.

6. DURATION OF LICENSE

The duration of the Licenses, shall initially be for a term of 15 (fifteen) years. Upon expiry of the initial term, the License may be renewed for subsequent terms, each of 5 (five) years in duration, subject to the approval from the Commission and to such conditions, including the payment of any fees, as may be specified herein and/or by the Commission under the Act.

7. FEES AND CHARGES

7.01 The Commission shall impose upon the Licensee different fees and charges. Some of the charges or part thereof shall be in proportion to the Licensee’s annual audited gross turnover.

7.02 Fees and Charges

Following fees and charges will be applicable to the Licensee

1. Application Fee Tk. 50,000.00 (Taka fifty thousand) only

2. License acquisition fee Tk. 15,00,00,000.00 (Taka fifteen crore) only

3. Annual License Fee (payable every year) Tk. 7,50,00,000.00 (Taka seven crore fifty lac) only

4. Gross Revenue Sharing with BTRC. (Gross Revenue = Earning by the Licensee from

incoming calls + share of earnings after settlement from outgoing calls) Will be fixed through competitive biding/auction

5. Revenue Sharing with ICXs and ANS

i) For International incoming calls:

* No International incoming call can be terminated for less than US$ 0.06. This rate may be reviewed by the Commission. After deducting VAT (if applicable)

a) 15% (fifteen percent) of prevailing call rates (call rates to be determined by the Commission from time to time) to be paid to ICX.

b) 20% (twenty percent) of prevailing call rates (call rates to be determined by the Commission from time to time) to be paid to ANS.

ii) For International outgoing calls (both to PSTN and mobile network): For International Outgoing calls to mobile network, the revenue of Tk. 16.50 (Taka sixteen paisa fifty) only is fixed by the Commission. For OUTGOING calls to mobile network, a specific settlement amount would be paid to overseas networks. For International Outgoing Calls to PSTN network, the revenue of Tk. 6.00 (Taka six) only is fixed by the Commission. For Outgoing calls to PSTN network, a specific settlement amount would be paid to overseas networks. These rates will be reviewed time to time by the Commission. The revenue distribution/ sharing is based on the balance amount only. ANS operators will pay 15% (fifteen percent) of the balance amount to the Licensee, and the specific settlement amount to be paid to the foreign network through the Licensee. The specific settlement amount will be approved by the Commission upon the Licensees’ proposal. The revenue is calculated deducting VAT.

a) Balance amount (Z) = Call rate (X) - specific settlement amount payable to foreign carriers (Y) 

b) ANS operators will be paying Y+ 15% (fifteen percent) of Z to the IGW licensee.

The above revenue sharing will be applicable for clear channel too. The call rate for clear channel shall be as per Schedule-2(A).

6. Security Deposit in the form of Bank Guarantee Tk. 15,00,00,000.00 (Taka fifteen crore) only

7.03 The Licensee shall pay all the required fees within the stipulated time frame given hereinafter. All fees, charges etc. paid by the Licensee are non-refundable and are payable in favour of BangladeshTelecommunication Regulatory Commission in the form of bank draft or pay order from any scheduled bank of Bangladesh.

a. License acquisition fee: The Licensee shall pay the Licence Acquisition fee of Taka. 15,00,00,000.00 (Taka fifteen crore) only which will be payable within 10 (ten) working days of the auction.

b. Annual License fee: The Licensee shall pay an annual Licence fee of 7,50,00,000.00 (Taka seven crore and fifty lac) only every year on or before the date the license was issued.

c. Revenue sharing with the Commission: The Licensee in addition to the above, shall pay to BTRC on a quarterly basis on account of revenue sharing a percentage of the annual audited gross revenue within the first 10 (ten) days at the end of each quarter. The percentage of the revenue to be shared will be fixed through competitive bidding/Auction. The total revenue sharing shall be reconciled on an annual basis based on the Licensee’s audited accounts for that year and if there has been any underpayment the balance must be paid within 60 (sixty) days at the end of the financial year (July to June). In the event of any overpayment by the Licensee, the Licensee may adjust any excess amount against quarterly payments in the next year.

d. Revenue sharing with ICXs and ANSs: The Licensee in addition to the above shall share revenue with the ICXs and ANS operators as per the table above in Clause 7.02. 

e. The Licensee shall pay other fees and charges as may be levied by the Commission from time to time.

f. If Licensee fails to pay the fees, charges, etc. in time, it shall be liable to pay a late fee of 15% (fifteen percent) per annum at compound rate on the outstanding amount. If the amount along with late fee is not paid in full within 60 (sixty) days as stipulated, such failure may result in cancellation of the License.

7.04 Radio Equipment and Spectrum Charges: The rights granted to the Licensee do not include any rights to use any radio frequency until such frequencies are allocated by the Commission. If any frequency is allocated, the Licensee will be obliged to pay all required fees and charges related to such frequencies as fixed by the Commission. If the amount along with late fee is not paid in full within 60 (sixty) days as stipulated, such failure may result in cancellation of allocated frequency.

8. SECURITY DEPOSIT

The Licensee shall furnish Bank Guarantee of Tk. 15,00,00,000.00 (Taka fifteen crore) only in favour of Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission as “Security Deposit” within 10 (ten) working days from the date of issuance of License in a prescribed form (Schedule-3) issued by a scheduled bank.

9. ACCOUNTING SYSTEMS

The Licensee shall implement such accounting practices that allow for the identification of the costs and charges on a prevailing cost accounting basis for its accounting purpose.

10 APPLICATION FORM

10.01 The applicant shall submit Application for IGW Services License to the Commission in the prescribed Form duly filled in, signed and sealed, together with all the necessary documents and information indicated in the Application Information Instructions at SCHEDULE - 4. The prescribed Application Form is appended with these Guidelines at SCHEDULE -5.

10.02 The Guidelines prescribing application Form; generic License form and application information instructions will be available in the office of the Commission.

11. MISCELLANEOUS

Each Licensee shall comply with the provisions of the Act, the terms and conditions of its License, and any regulations or guidelines issued by the Commission. The Commission has the right in its sole discretion to change, amend, vary or revoke any of the terms and conditions of the License upon the provision of notice to the Licensee informing the Licensee of the reasons for the proposed change. A generic form of IGW Service License is attached for reference as Appendix-2. This is provided for information only as an indication of the format and types of provisions that may be included in the License. The final terms of the License are matters solely for the Commission to determine and shall contain in the License issued by the Commission to the relevant applicant.

12. STATUS

12.01 The information contained in this document is intended to assist interested parties in applying for the relevant Licenses. It does not bind the Commission to any particular course of action in relation to the handling of any application, or to the terms of any License to be granted, or to grant any License to any party. 12.02 The Commission reserves the right to change its policies and/or to amend this document without prior notice.

For further details about IGW license in Bangladesh please visit website of BTRC.

Related:

Guidlines for IGW-International Gateway in Bangladesh- Part 1

IGW-International Gateway Guidelines | Bangladesh-1

1. INTRODUCTION

1.01 The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (“the Commission”) has been granted powers under section 36 the Bangladesh Telecommunication Act 2001, as amended (“the Act”) to issue Licenses for the operation and provision of telecommunication services, and to determine the eligibility criteria and other general terms and conditions of Licenses.

1.02 Having given due consideration to the principles of transparency, fairness, non-discrimination and all other relevant principles, the Commission has decided to issue Guidelines on Licensing Procedure of International Gateway Services as envisaged in the International Long Distance Telecommunication Services Policy 2007 (ILDTS Policy 2007).

1.03 These Guidelines, along with the terms and conditions of the License, should be read in conjunction with the Act, any subsequent legislation, and prevalent laws or sector policies framed by the Government, and other rules, regulations, decrees, orders, decisions, guidelines, directives and documents of general application issued by the Government or the Commission from time to time. The Act specifically provides, under Section 35 and 55, that the establishment, operation or use of telecommunication system including radio apparatus and provision of telecommunication services in Bangladesh without a License is an offence, punishable with imprisonment or a fine or both.

1.04 These guidelines, may be withdrawn, revised, updated or amended from time to time, without any prior notice, to take into consideration various factors including, but not limited to, any threat to public interest, public health, national security and statutory or Court orders.

2. INTERPRETATION & DEFINITION

The interpretation and definition of the terms used in this document is annexed herewith as SCHEDULE -1 to the Generic Form of License appended with this guideline as APPENDIX-2.

3. OBJECTIVES

3.01 These Guidelines are intended to provide an overview of the licensing and regulatory framework for applicants seeking to obtain a License to establish, maintain and operate International Gateway Services in Bangladesh.

3.02 These Guidelines have been prepared taking into account the objectives of the Government to facilitate the introduction of International Gateway Services as envisaged in the ILDTS Policy 2007.

3.03 International Gateway Services License to be issued under these Guidelines will authorize an operator to establish, maintain and operate International Gateway Services. No person or business entity shall be allowed to provide International Gateway Services without a valid License issued by the Commission.

3.04 To provide overseas voice communication to the public at an affordable rate by terminating to and originating from Telecommunication networks in Bangladesh.

4. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

4.01 The following are the principal legal statutes governing the telecommunication industry in Bangladesh:

  a. The Bangladesh Telecommunication Act, 2001 (as amended).

  b. The Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933 and The Telegraph Act, 1885, for matters that are not covered by the Bangladesh Telecommunication Act, 2001 (as amended).

  c. Any Regulation made or to be made by the Commission.

4.02 The Licensee shall establish, operate and maintain the International Gateway Services as per the License.

4.03 All Voice Call will be routed (terminating to and originating from Bangladesh) through International Gateways (IGWs) and Interconnection Exchanges (ICXs).

4.04 There shall be three IGWs in addition to the existing IGW of BTTB.

4.05 Location of the three new IGWs will be at Dhaka.

4.06 The Licensee will have primary backbone connection towards International networks through SEA-ME-WE-4 submarine cable and through other submarine cables whenever available.

4.07 The Licensee will have backup connectivity through Satellite Earth Station/ VSAT until alternative submarine cable(s) are available.

4.08 The IGWs will have physical connections with ICXs. The connectivity and related expenses will be borne by ICXs.

4.09 The Licensee will provide international voice call services both clear channel and VoIP, origination and routing facilities to the ICX.

4.10 The Licensee will arrange end-to-end service level agreements and will negotiate fees with overseas careers for call origination and termination by themselves. Agreed fees will be vetted by BTRC.

4.11 An IGW Services License issued by the Commission shall be a stand alone License which shall be operated independent of any other types of operating Licenses.

4.12 An interested applicant must apply to the Commission in the prescribed form for grant of International Gateway Services License.

4.13 The Licensee shall make its systems Lawful Interception (LI) Compliant.

4.14 The Licensee shall provide necessary connections including necessary equipment and software to the Commission for online and offline monitoring and analyzing of Call Detail Record (CDR), Call Accounting, Signalling, QoS and or any other system as may be required by the Commission. User licenses for the software will be at least 5 (five) in number.

4.15 The Licensees will provide access to Law Enforcing Agencies (LEA) for LI as envisaged in Section 97 KA of the Act, including necessary equipment and software and shall also set the same instruments up at LEA premises.

4.16 The Licensee shall be subject to additional terms and conditions when and where deemed necessary to be in accordance with public interest and or in accordance with the National Telecommunications Policy 1998 and ILDTS Policy 2007 and/or any other future Government policies.

4.17 IGW Services License shall not be issued to existing operators having any license from the Commission.

4.18 An applicant shall be disqualified from obtaining a License if any provision listed in sub clauses (i) to (vii) below applies to its owner(s) or to any of its director(s) or partner(s) or to the applicant himself (i) he is an insane person, (ii) he has been sentenced by a court under any law, other than the Act, to imprisonment for a term of 2 (two) years or more, and a period of 5 (five) years has not elapsed since his release from such imprisonment, (iii) he has been sentenced by a court for committing any offence under the Act and a period of 5 (five) years has not elapsed since his release from such imprisonment, (iv) he has been declared bankrupt by the Court and has not been discharged from the liability of bankruptcy, (v) he has been identified or declared by the Bangladesh Bank or by the court or by a bank or financial institution as a loan defaulter of that bank or institution. (vi) he has been charged with illegally terminating calls by using VoIP technology. (vii) any license of his has been cancelled by the Commission at any time during the last 5 (five) years.

4.19 In addition to the mandatory grounds for disqualification for applying for a License referred to in clauses 4.17 and 4.18, the Commission shall also consider whether the applicant satisfies other criteria including but not limited to:

(a) Whether the applicant has sufficient management and financial capacity to operate the

activities pertaining to International Long Distance Telecommunication Services for which the

License will be awarded;

(b) how far the issuance of the License will serve the public interest and national security.

4.20 IGW Services Licenses will be issued to Bangladeshi entities (resident citizens, proprietorships, partnerships

and companies registered under ‘Joint Stock of Companies and Firms’ under the Companies Act 1994). If the applicant is a company then all directors and shareholders of the applicant must be resident Bangladeshi Citizen.

4.21 No shares can be transferred or new shares issued without written permission of the Commission.

4.22 All financial transactions (in local and Foreign currency) in relation to the License must be through Scheduled Bank(s) of Bangladesh. The Licensee shall inform the Commission of the details of the accounts in operation. The Licensee shall have to submit monthly statement of all the accounts to the Commission within 10th day of each calendar month.

4.23 The Licensee will not be eligible for any other License(s) from the Commission. No shareholder and/or his family of the company that is awarded the License in the capacity of an owner, shareholder, director, officer or partner of any other company can hold or will hold any other License from the Commission.

4.24 One entity will be allowed to get ONLY one IGW License.

4.25 The Licenses will be awarded by open auction subject to fulfillment of other conditions.

4.26 The Licensee companies will issue Initial Public Offering (IPO) in the Stock Exchange of Bangladesh and nowhere else within 3 (three) years of commencement of operation subject to laws and regulation of Security and Exchange Commission.

4.27 Prior approval of the Commission with necessary conditions is mandatory before launching of any other services.

For more information about Bangladesh IGW license and others please visit BTRC website.

Related:

Guidelines for IGW-International Gateway in Bangladesh- Part 2

IGW | International Gateway Providers in Bangladesh

The Telecommunication sector in Bangladesh has changed dramatically in last 5-10 years. The government and public sectors incentives helping this telecommunication sector to grow up rapidly.

In this post I am going to discuss a little about four IGW (International Gateway) operators in Bangladesh. According to BTRC four licensed IGW operators are currently providing International Gateway to handle international VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) calls (Incoming and Outgoing).

These four operators are:

• BTCL (Bangladesh Telecommunications Company Limited)

• Bangla Trac Communications Limited

• Mir Telecom

• Novotel Limited

Bangla Trac Communications Limited is one of the licensed IGW (International Gateway) prodders in Bangladesh. Licensed issued by BTRC in February, 2008. Bangla Trac Communications Limited is a sister concern of Bangla Trac Limited (Bangla CAT). It is one of the first choices of Major international global call termination companies around the world.

For further details visit website of Bangla Trac.

BTCL (Bangladesh Telecommunication Company Limited) is another IGW and IIG provider in Bangladesh. License issued by BTRC in March, 2008. For further details visit website of BTCL.

Mir Telecom Ltd another licensed IGW provider in Bangladesh. Mir Telecom IP long distance allows clients to originate and terminate international calls (incoming and outgoing). Mir Telecoms TDM (Time Division Multiplex) Interconnections a re available across UK, USA, Singapore. To know more details please visit the website of Mir Telecom.

NovoTel Limited was awarded as an International Gateway (IGW) provider back in 2008 by the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) and it has started its commercial operation from August 2008 with NGN based platform capable of interconnecting both on IP and TDM. NovoTel is connected via STM-1 based TDM circuits with local Bangladeshi operators. To know further details please visit the official website of Novo-Tel.

Related topics:

VOIP in Bangladesh

IGW Guideline in Bangladesh