Cut in roaming rates in SAARC depends on member nations: TRAI

New Delhi, June 6 (UNI) Reduction in roaming rates in SAARC nations depends on the cooperation among the member countries, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) Chairman Nripendra Misra said today.

A paper has already been submitted to the President of the Telecom Regulator for SAARC nations in this regard. ''We would like to initiate dialogue in this area and we know that the field offers tremendous opportunities,'' he said at the Second Annual Telecom Regulatory Seminar.

Members from the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority, Nepal Telecommunications Authority and Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission were also present at the occasion.

''European Union (EU) already has a legislation in place for roaming charges between the EU nations. We hope something similar can be worked out among the SAARC nations as well,'' said Mr Misra.

India has witnessed a huge growth in the telecom sector since 2002. The telecom service providers expect the subscriber base to touch 500 million from the current 212 million by 2010.

MORE UNI