Trai hikes int'l call termination rates to 35-65 paise/min; telcos to gain

When contacted, industry body COAI said this is a move in the "right direction" and that Trai has taken into consideration the financial situation of the operators

Telecom regulator Trai on Friday said international call termination charges will be brought under forbearance but within prescribed range of 35 to 65 paise/min against a fixed rate of 30 paise/minute earlier -- a move expected to benefit telecom operators.

International termination charge is the rate payable by an Indian International Long Distance Operator (ILDO), who carries the call from outside the country to access provider in the country in whose network the call terminates.

While the regulator has given a range with floor and a ceiling, and left it to operators to set the rate under a forbearance regime, it has,