Telcos to cut roaming tariffs from May 1, as per TRAI norms

Top telecom operators such as Vodafone, Idea Cellular, Airtel and Reliance Communications today announced reduction in mobile roaming tariffs effective from May 1 as per guidelines from telecom regulator TRAI.

Earlier this month, TRAI reduced the ceiling rate that a telecom operator can charge for STD calls on roaming to Rs 1.15 per minute from Rs 1.50. Similarly, national SMS rate was reduced to 38 paise from Rs 1.5 per SMS. A telecom operator can charge a maximum of 25 paise only for a local SMS instead of the current Re 1 per SMS.

Vodafone India has slashed its national roaming rates by up to 75 per cent with effect from May 1, days after telecom regulator TRAI reduced the ceiling tariffs.

For a local text while on roaming, users will pay 25 paise as compared to Re 1 and for STD texts, 38 paise from Rs 1.50 earlier in accordance with TRAI guidelines, according to a company statement.

Vodafone India customers will pay 45 paise/minute instead of the earlier 75 paise/minute for receiving calls outside their home network, a reduction of 40 per cent. Similarly, outgoing local and STD calls will be charged at 80 paise and Rs 1.15 paise per minute as compared to Re 1 and Rs 1.50, respectively.

As per the revised tariffs for roaming, Idea will now offer incoming calls at just 45 paise/minute, a reduction of 40 per cent. Outgoing Local call rates have been reduced by 20 per cent and STD call rates by 23 per cent. Local SMS will now be available for just 25 paise and STD SMS for just 38 paise on roaming nationally.

Reliance Communications also announced reduction in roaming tariffs 40 per cent lower incoming calls while for outgoing calls made, both local and STD, the new charges are up to 23 per cent lower.

Airtel reduced outgoing call (local and STD) rates while roaming by about 20-23 per cent while outgoing SMS reduced by 74-75 per cent. Even incoming calls have been reduced by up to 23 per cent, according to the company.

Currently, Vodafone India offers incoming free packs for prepaid and postpaid customers, under which incoming voice calls on national roaming are free on payment of fixed charge, which has also been revised. Vodafone has also introduced special roaming tariff plans for its prepaid and postpaid customers. With RCom's One India, One Rate plan, customers can enjoy three benefits in one plan, with Incoming Calls while roaming being free, and a single attractive outgoing unified rate while in home network or roaming network-for both Local and STD calls, valid for period of 28 days. This unique offer is available at a price ranging from Rs 40 to Rs 50, depending on the home circle.