Hutch introduces basic international roaming

Mumbai, April 30, 2007 "� Hutch, one of India's leading telecom service providers, introduces Basic International Roaming wherein Hutch customers can receive calls and SMS while roaming in over 180 countries across the world. They can stay in touch with loved ones without paying high deposits. The maximum security deposit charged is only Rs 1,500. The deposits have been brought down from a high of Rs 10,000 to Rs 1,500. This is yet another first by Hutch to provide convenience in international connectivity.

Basic International Roaming is now available at a monthly rental of Rs 99 only. For details on roaming tariffs across the world, SMS ROAM to 123 (Rs 3/- per SMS). Hutch customers can also call Hutch Care at 111 or 98200 98200 from their Hutch phones to get the international roaming tariffs.

Hutch customers can activate Basic International Roaming by:

* Sending ACT BIR as an SMS to 111 (toll-free) from your Hutch phone

* Calling 111 (toll-free) from your Hutch phone

* Visiting www.hutch.in and subscribing online at My Hutch section

* Just filling up a simple Service Request Form and paying a security deposit of Rs 1,500 at any of the Hutch Shops

Speaking on the launch of the basic international roaming, Harit Nagpal, Director, Marketing and New Business Development - Hutch, said, "Hutch has launched this service with a very low deposit, so that families can enjoy their summer holidays abroad, while staying connected with friends and family at home. With more and more Indians traveling abroad during school holidays, Hutch now provides them with added connectivity while on the move."

Few things to be kept in mind while subscribing to this service are:

* Basic international roaming deposit of Rs 1,500 is a standard charge. However, based on the discretion of Hutch credit services, additional deposits may be payable

* Availability of the product will be restricted based on the discretion of Hutch credit services

* All charges mentioned are exclusive of Service Tax

* Please allow 48 hours for processing your roaming subscription request

About Hutchison Essar Limited: Hutchison Essar with over 26.44 million* mobile users under the Hutch brand, is one of the most reputed telecom companies in India. Over the years, it has been named the 'Most Respected Telecom Company', the 'Best Mobile Service in the country', and the 'Most Creative and 'Most Effective Advertiser of the Year'.

Hutch offers a wide range of user-friendly services that makes a customers life simple and fulfils all his entertainment and information requirements. Hutch has been a pioneer in India to provide innovative services like video clips on a 2.5 G network, Mobile Banking, MSN Hotmail and Messenger on Hutch phones, Java Games, Hutch Mail, a voice recognition portal and many more such initiatives.

*Figures from Cellular Operators Association of India, March 31, 2007.