GSM players have said that the cut in roaming tariffs will have an adverse financial impact worth Rs 800-900 crore.
According to the Cellular Operators Association of India, the decline in roaming tariffs would most likely necessitate an increase in local call tariffs as roaming tariffs were hitherto being priced at a level, which allowed the operators to offer the most economically affordable services to their consumers.
However, TRAI says that it has taken into account all factors before deciding on the revised tariffs. Only about 10 per cent of the service providers' revenues come from roaming.
If local call rates are hiked, doesn't it defeat the purpose of slashing roaming rates? What are your views on the present mobile tariffs? Would you prefer higher roaming rates or higher local call rates?
Do you have a wish list? Do you think mobile operators are being unreasonable? Tell us what you think.