Maran supports TRAI move on reducing roaming charges

Telecom regulator TRAI's proposal to lower roaming tariffs for mobile users today received support from the government, with Communications Minister Dayanidhi Maran expressing concern over the issue.

"I am anxiously waiting for the roaming charges to come down," Maran told reporters here on the sidelines of 'The India Digital Summit 2007'.

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, which is facing opposition from mobile operators on reducing roaming tariffs, may enforce a regulation for the purpose.

The regulator is discussing the matter with Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) and Association of Unified Telecom Service Providers of India (AUSPI) to reach a solution. The recommendations for the roaming tariff review are expected by the end of this month.

It has proposed to revise the existing roaming tariff by fixing a ceiling based on usage. This means there would not be any rental charges and only a composite roaming tariff on a per minute basis.

It is the first time that TRAI is taking steps to reduce roaming tariffs which are higher than the cost incurred by mobile operators to provide the facility.

Maran also said the government was looking into the spectrum policy.