TRAI cuts roaming charges by up to 56 per cent

New Delhi, Jan 24 (UNI) Communications and IT Minister Dayanidhi Maran today said he expects further reduction in roaming tariffs soon after the telecom regulator TRAI today slashed roaming charges by up to 56 per cent.

''This is the right step in the right direction and is a win-win situation for all,'' Mr Maran said after the cut in roaming by TRAI in the range of 22 to 56 per cent at Rs 2.40 for outgoing STD and Rs 1.75 for incoming calls.

Speaking at a launch function of free software tools here, Mr Maran said there is room for more reduction in roaming tariffs.

This will make it more affordable for the mobile users as the new tariffs are simple, transparent and distant neutral.

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

The new rates will be effective from February 15 next month and will be applicable on 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 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 is also expected to promote inter-state trade.

Earlier speaking on the sidelines of a summit organised by the American Chambers of Commerce of India, Mr Maran said the introduction of the One-India plan (by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd) has changed the way India talks. And for us to match international standards, reduction in roaming charges is essential.

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