Bharti Airtel plans to lower roaming rates

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Following Telecom Minister Dayandhi Maran's call for a cut in tarrifs, CNBC-TV18 learned that Bharti Airtel is evaluating half a dozen plans with lower roaming rates. The last cut in roaming rates was on February 14 but Maran is not done yet.

 

He has called for a cut in roaming tariffs and CNBC-TV18 has learnt that market leader Bharti Airtel is evaluating almost half a dozen schemes to meet the challenge.

 

 A final decision on a cut in roaming rates is expected shortly. The roaming tariff battle dates back to January when the regulator issued an order capping roaming tariffs.

 

As per the order, telcos were mandated to bring down roaming tariffs for outgoing local by 55%, outgoing STD by 40%, and incoming calls by about 56%. But these were ceiling tariffs and the regulator expected operators to bring the tariffs down further. However, telcos didn't quite oblige. That left the regulator and the minister miffed.

 

Dayanidhi Maran, Communications and IT Minister, said, "I am disappointed. I have spoken to them but let's see, I hope they are considering it."

 

This is certainly not the first time Maran has nudged the industry to toe his line. On occasions in the past, like with the 'One India' scheme he has even used BSNL and MTNL to influence market forces. So, the industry is being proactive this time. And with Bharti all set to make the first move, other telcos will be under pressure to follow suit.