Airtel cuts ISD rates to Rs 3 a minute

Airtel slashed ISD charges to Rs 3 per minute from Rs 15 a minute and introduced a Re 1 a minute tariff for STD calls. The reduction is under a new scheme, `Airtel 1-2-3 Offer' and is only applicable for users in Mumbai circle.

In addition, the mobile service provider has reduced calls to television quiz show, Kaun Banega Crorepati 2 by Rs 4 a minute. Calls to the show would be now charged at Rs 2 a minute from the earlier Rs 6 a minute, while SMSes to the show would be charged at Rs 2 a message, an Airtel release said.

The benefits are being rolled out along with its new pre-paid pack of Rs 699 pack. "Airtel is revolutionising ISD calling by offering ISD calls to USA and Canada at Rs 3 per minute. It will play a major role in making national and international long distance telephony affordable," Bharti Tele-Ventures Ltd Chief Executive Officer (Mobility) Jayant Khosla said.

The company's STD rates of Re 1 matches a similar long distance rate announced by Orange, a fortnight ago. Airtel is the fourth largest mobile operator in Mumbai circle and has a total subscriber base around 8.30 lakh.