STD rates set to fall further

The slash in rates is likely to take place as the state-owned MTNL received bids at much lower rates for carrying traffic.

A day after state-owned MTNL lowered its fixed line call rates between Delhi-Mumbai to local call rates, STD rates for both fixed and mobile locations in rest of the country are also set to fall significantly as the company received bids at much lower rates for carrying its STD traffic.

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Three private operators -- Bharti, Reliance and Tata-owned VSNL -- had bid for carrying MTNL's STD traffic throughout the country and according to officials rates less than 20 paise and 65 paise, depending upon the distance slab, has been received.

According to industry sources, Reliance bids could emerge as lowest for various lucrative locations.

When contacted, MTNL Director (Finance) Anita Soni said, "We have received bids at less than ceiling rates."