TRAI cuts roaming charges by 22-56%

New Delhi, Jan 24 (UNI) The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) today slashed roaming charges by 22-56 per cent at Rs 2.40 for outgoing STD and Rs 1.75 for incoming calls making it more affordable for the mobile users.

''The incoming SMSs will be free during roaming'' TRAI sources told UNI.

The new rates will be effective from February 15.

The new rates will be for all kinds of plans, both post paid and pre-paid.

Also, there will be no rental in any form either monthly, weekly or daily, TRAI said after two months of deliberations with various stake-holders including mobile operators who have not contended these new tariffs.

The move comes after the Authority has found roaming market to be lacking in competition. It went through a detailed consultation process and set up several open house discussions before coming out with the order.

The move will also promote inter-state trade.

UNI