Idea follows Airtel, launches 'free' national roaming plans

The first voucher is priced between Rs. 230 to Rs. 240 (the price varies from circle to circle). With the help of this special recharge voucher, the incoming calls while on national roaming will be free of cost. The subscribers will be able to make local, STD, ISD calls, and send text messages while roaming at the same rate as applicable in their home circle.

Idea Cellular has also launched another voucher that reduces incoming call rates while on national roaming to 75 paise per minute. Users can make calls and send SMS at no additional cost while roaming. This voucher costs between Rs. 35-40 (the price varies from circle to circle).

The company has announced that these special roaming vouchers will be available starting July 1, 2013, across all 22 circles. The discounted roaming rates will be valid for six months from the date of recharge.

Speaking about the initiative, Sashi Shankar, Chief Marketing Officer, Idea Cellular said, "Indians are travelling across the country like never before, for work or leisure. Idea's pan-India network will now allow over 123 million Idea users to roam freely across the country, without worrying about additional roaming charges."

Airtel too has announced its 'free' incoming national roaming packs for its pre-paid subscribers.

The first pack from Airtel costs Rs. 5 and gives subscribers free incoming calls on national roaming for a day. Outgoing calls while roaming within the country are charged at 1.5 paise per second. All other call rates remain the same as per your existing plan.

The second plan costs Rs. 79 and gives customers free incoming calls on national roaming for a period of 30 days. Outgoing calls while roaming within the country, as well as your regular outgoing calls in your home circle, will be charged at 1.5 paise per second. All other call rates remain the same as per your existing plan.

Other major telecom operators are expected to follow Airtel and Idea's lead and announce similar plans, following TRAI's recommendation to operators to introduce free conditional national roaming plans and reduce SMS tariffs.