You cannot roam free yet but, well, for substantially cheaper.
Telecom operators have reduced roaming tariffs by up to 56 per cent with effect from February 15 in compliance with Telecom Regulatory Authority of India directives. While leading GSM players Airtel and Hutch have slashed roaming tariffs by up to 56 per cent, CDMA market leader Reliance Communications reduced roaming tariffs for pre-paid users by 44 per cent. All operators have dropped the monthly roaming rental of Rs 49.
Also no security amount will be charged for roaming facilities and all incoming SMS will be free. This move will benefit over 120 million mobile phone subscribers in India.
“Every Indian travels across the country for work, to meet social commitments or on vacation. We are ushering in an era of simplified roaming tariffs,” said Sanjay Kapoor, joint president, mobile services, Bharti Airtel.
With Vodafone set to enter the market, tariffs will come down further, say analysts.
lalatendu.mishra@hindustantimes.com