Free Voice Calling for Licensed Telco Operators Only
According to the Telecommunications Regulations and the Telecommunications Service Classification Catalog (2015), enterprises that provide basic telecommunication services (fixed network and mobile network) end-to-end real time voice services, telecoms network and Internet IP telephony services and Internet end-to-end real time voice services must possess the proper license in order to operate. The first two fall under basic telecom services, and requires the basic telecom business license while the last service is a Value-Added Telecommunication (VAT) Service and requires the VAT Business license. In accordance with the law, enterprises without these licenses must stop providing all voice calling related services.
In a follow-up explanation, CAICT pointed out that QQ, WeChat, and MiTalk are already operating under the VAT Services Business License.