Hutch announces drop in ISD rates

Mumbai, April 4, 2007 "� Hutch, one of India's leading telecom service providers, has announced a reduction in its ISD rates by 80 paise per minute. Staying in touch with business colleagues or family will now be more economical than ever, as the new rates make calling long distance cheaper than calls from landlines.

As per the new rates calling countries like the US, Canada, UK (Fixed line) & Europe (Fixed line), Australia(Fixed line) & New Zealand (Fixed line) and South East Asia will now be charged at Rs 6.40 per minute, as against the earlier rate of Rs 7.20 per minute. This means users can now save upto 11% in call costs.

For calls made to countries in the Gulf, Europe (Mobile), SAARC, Africa, or UK (Mobile), Australia (Mobile) & New Zealand (Mobile), you'll now pay Rs 9.11 per minute, down from the current Rs 9.99 per minute, which is a reduction of over 8%.

These rates are applicable effective April 1st, 2007. All Hutch postpaid or prepaid customers can automatically enjoy these lowered rates at no extra charge.

However, calls to countries like Norfolk Island, Cook Island, Cuba, Diego Garcia, Guinea Bissau, Nauru, Sakhalin, Saotome & Principle, Solomon Island, Tokelau, Tuvalu, Vanuatu remain at the earlier rate of Rs 40 per minute.

Discounted ISD rates available with any promo pack, plans and special tariff vouchers (STVs) or Bonus cards remains unchanged. These rates are also not applicable on ISD rates available on Calling Cards.

Hutch has slashed ISD rates in an effort to pass the benefits of reduction in access deficit charges to its customers. Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) issued an order on March 21, to do away with access deficit charges (ADC) of 80 paise per minute on outgoing international calls. ADC was a levy imposed on telecom operators to help subsidize rural telephony initiatives.