Calls could cost more if roaming rates scrapped

Equating long-distance calls — referring to roaming rates — with local calls would force mobile companies to raise local call charges to recoup losses from abolition of roaming charges. “We don’t think that (treating India as one telecom circle) is appropriate,” he said,explaining roaming facilities are subscribed by only 20% mobile users.

“It means,should we raise prices for 80% of mobile phone users because 20% feel the need for lower roaming rates,” he said. Roaming calls and local calls are in the ratio of 1:4,a COAI analysis showed.