The Hindu Business Line : Mobile roaming charges likely to turn cheaper

On the move
Senior TRAI officials said the telecom regulator was looking at the European model.
Currently, the Indian telecom regulator has set a cap on airtime charges of Rs 3.45 per minute for domestic roaming calls.

New Delhi , July 31

National roaming charges on mobile phones could come down with the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India looking at adopting a model similar to the one being implemented by the European Commission to lower the cap on roaming tariffs charged by the operators.

Currently, the Indian telecom regulator has set a cap on airtime charges of Rs 3.45 per minute (including the surcharge) for domestic roaming calls.

Operators, however, charge between Rs 4 and Rs 6 per minute after including various charges. Some operators also charge monthly rentals for the service.

Senior TRAI officials said that the telecom regulator was actively looking at the European model. "We are studying the European Commission proposals. Issues relating to mobile roaming is being discussed but it is not yet decided on how and in which form it will be introduced," said a TRAI official.

Groundwork done

Sources in TRAI added that a lot of groundwork has already been done in this regard and it will be put up to the authority for approval soon. TRAI is also looking at another point: whether to introduce a three-way split in revenues on roaming calls whereby the operator on whose network the call terminates also get a share of the revenue.

Mr T.V. Ramachandran, Director-General, Cellular Operators Association of India, said that the rationalising of roaming tariffs would have to be looked at with a holistic approach to include other aspects such as termination charges on SMS, which is also part of the European Commission's proposals.

TRAI sources said the industry's views would be taken on board through a consultation process before taking a final decision.