BSNL slashes international tariffs by over 75%

Public sector firm has launched special tariff vouchers in the range for Rs 23 to Rs 41 for prepaid customers

State-run BSNL has launched special tariff vouchers (STVs) wherein its customers would get over 75% cheaper rates for making international calls.

The public sector firm has launched STVs in the range for Rs 23 to Rs 41 for prepaid customers whereas postpaid users have to pay a fixed monthly charge (FMC) of Rs 20 to Rs 40 to avail the cheaper rates.

The company has divided the countries into four groups.

"BSNL is providing its customers the cheapest international call rates. It has launched STVs, which are offering ISD calls rates similar to the normal calls," the company said in a statement.

With a STV of Rs 41, prepaid customers can call USA, Canada and Singapore for Rs 1.49 per minute whereas the normal rate is Rs 6 per minute. Users can call China at Rs 1.49 per minute against the normal tariff is Rs 10 per minute.

Postpaid customers too can avail the same rates with a FMC of Rs 40. The SMS tariff has been reduced to Rs 3 from Rs 5 per SMS.

For countries including France, Germany and UK, the rate has been reduced to Rs 4.49 per minute as against Rs 6 with a STV of Rs 38 for prepaid users and FMC of Rs 35 for postpaid customers.

BSNL customers can call Bangladesh, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Thailand at Rs 2.99 per minute with STV of Rs 27 as against a normal price of Rs 10.

For calling Australia, the rate has been reduced to RS 6.49 per minute with Rs 23 STV and a FMC of Rs 23 while SMS can be send for Rs 3.

Recently some players have increased international calling rates by up to 80% mainly due to the impact of depreciation in rupee.