DoT to seek cut in roaming charges

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is all set to urge the telecom companies to bring down domestic roaming charges to between Re 1 to Rs 2 per minute.

Currently, the roaming tariffs range between Rs 1.40 and Rs 2.40 per minute.

"I will be requesting the telecom companies for voluntary reduction in domestic roaming rates. I believe they will listen to me," said Union Minister of Communications and Information Technology Dayanidhi Maran, adding that the companies will be encouraged to give more value-added service to their customers.

According to industry analysts, domestic roaming rates in the country are one of the lowest in the world and a further reduction would adversely effect the industry.

Even though the facility is good to increase subscription base, a source said that the operators' market penetration is just not big enough to allow further reduction in roaming rates.

Such a move would "kill" the industry "already bleeding", the source said.

Talking about DoT's drive on broadband expansion, Maran said that the department will work closely with the Human Resource Development Ministry in the matter.

"We will provide broadband services to 18,000 colleges and 110,000 schools by 2008. It will be done in close consultations with the HRD ministry," he said.