Date:15/09/2004 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2004/09/15/stories/2004091501441900.htm

Back AirTel launches virtual STD/ISD calling cards

Our Bureau

The prepaid calling card offers savings of up to 55 per cent on the usual ISD calling bills.

Mumbai , Sept. 14

AIRTEL has become the first GSM operator in the country to launch virtual calling cards in the country with the launch of its `AirTel STD/ISD Calling Card' in Mumbai.

The prepaid calling card offers savings of up to 55 per cent on the usual ISD calling bills (for example a tariff of Rs 6.99 per minute to the US instead of Rs 16.99 per minute)

The launch of the card would specially benefit AirTel customers who have not got the STD/ ISD facility activated on their mobile phone, said a news release from the company.

As part of a phased launch, the AirTel STD/ISD calling card has been first made available to AirTel customers in Mumbai.

These cards however can be used anywhere in India with local AirTel SIM card access.

The long distance card has been made available through AirTel's vast distribution network, which includes prepaid retail outlets, PCOs and even through SMS requests for AirTel postpaid customers.

The card is available in multiple denominations starting from Rs 54 to Rs 3,240, with the access number being toll free, being an AirTel predefined number that allows access only through a secure password.

Currently this facility has been made to AirTel postpaid and prepaid customers.

But long distance calls to ISD destinations like premium codes, INMARSAT and satellite numbers would not be possible through the card.

While roaming, AirTel customers would be able to use the long distance STD/ISD calling card by calling from the local AirTel SIM.