After a Gap of 5 years the Indian Telecom Regulator just a while ago has recommended reduction in National Roaming Call & SMS Tariffs. The New Tariff Ceilings to be effective from July-01-2013 are as below,
Local Outgoing Call While in Roaming – Rs 1.00 / Minute
Local Outgoing SMS – Rs 1 / Message
STD Outgoing Call While in Roaming – Rs 1.50 / Minute
STD Outgoing SMS Charge – Rs 1.50 / Message
Incoming Calls while on Roaming – Rs 0.75 / Minute
Incoming SMS remains Free.
The TRAI feels that mandating a fully free roaming regime is not feasible at this point of time as the cost will get passed on to all consumers and not just the ones availing roaming facilities.
TRAI acting upon our recommendation [Make On-Net Calls Free while Roaming] have also recommended that service providers must offer special roaming plans for subscribers in which they can avail Partially Free Roaming or Fully Free Roaming in lieu of payment of fixed charges. Since TRAI Recommendations do not mention difference between On-Net and off-Net, Operators are most likely to Offer the FREE Package only for On-Net Calls.
Roaming Charges To Stay also Means the creation of India as One Circle will not happen in then near future and Call Termination charges will also remain, though they maybe reduced under pressure from Mumbai Telecom Lobby 🙂