Internet charges slashed by 33

MUMBAI, December 22: Videsh Sanchar Nigam Ltd VSNL has slashed the TCP/IP-based Internet access rates by 33 per cent. The new rates, which will be effective from January 1, 1998, will be extended to both the existing as well as new subscribers, a VSNL release said. However, tariffs for the terminal dial-up services Shell account will remain unchanged.

As per the new tariff structure, which was notified by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India TRAI a few days ago, a TCP/IP account for 500 hours or one year which ever is less will cost Rs 10,000, instead of the present Rs 15,000. Besides, new time slabs of 100 hours and 250 hours have also been introduced.

While an account for 100 hours will cost Rs 3,000, an account for 250 hours will cost Rs 6,500. Also, subscribers can increase their account time in slabs of 20 hours by paying an extra Rs 30 per hour.

VSNL8217;s current 65,000-odd subscribers will also pay as per the new rates from January 1, 1998. VSNL will charge the outstanding balance in the subscribers8217; accounts on January 1 at the rate of Rs 20 per hour instead of the present Rs 30 per hour, extending the usage by 50 per cent.

According to VSNL, the present tariff structure will encourage the existing shell account users, who pay Rs 5,000 for 500 hours, to switch over to TCP/IP accounts.