TRAI Proposes To Cut Mobile Calls By 35 % , Roaming Charges Up To 80 %

27 Feb, New Delhi

Telecom regulator, TRAI, has proposed a sharp cut of about 35 per cent for making calls and up to 80 per cent for sending messages while roaming.

The regulator has sought comments from stakeholders by March 13, after which it will issue the final order.

Under the latest draft amendment of Telecommunication Tariff Order, TRAI proposed to cut down maximum charges that can be imposed on outgoing local calls during roaming to 65 paise per minute, from ceiling rate of one rupee per minute.

It has proposed to cut STD call rates during roaming to Re 1 per minute, from maximum charge of Rs 1.5 per minute.

For incoming calls, the regulator wants telecom companies to charge a maximum of 45 paise per minute, instead of 75 paise permitted at present. Besides, it has proposed a maximum of 25 paise per STD SMS in roaming, compared to the prevailing ceiling tariff of Rs 1.5 per SMS.

TRAI also said that local SMS should be charged a maximum of only 20 paise compared Re 1 that can be levied at present.