TRAI has initiated a consultation process on review of ceiling tariffs for roaming services.
In its analysis, the regulator said, "The authority proposes to revise the existing roaming tariff by fixing a ceiling tariff for roaming services based on usage. It means that there shall be no rental component for availing roaming services and there shall only be a composite roaming tariff on per minute basis". But at present it has sought views of the industry on its suggestion.
At present roaming charges are high for both the domestic as well as international mobile customers. There is a monthly rental at Rs 100 (ceiling), the national roaming airtime
charges of Rs 3.00 per minute (ceiling), a surcharge at 15 per cent on airtime component (ceiling) and PSTN charges as applicable from time to time to the fixed network. Tariffs for international roaming services are under forbearance.
"There is a growing impression among the subscribers of mobile services and other stakeholders that there is a strong case to revisit the roaming tariffs. The Authority studied the prevalent roaming tariffs in the market and has flagged the issue of inadequate competition for roaming services", the regulator said.
