Local calls to be costlier

However, STD calls made between 8.00 am and 7.00 pm would be cheaper due to increase in pulse rates. Similarly calls made between 7.00 am and 8.00 am, and those made between 7.00 pm and 8.30 pm 8212; where 50 per cent concession is allowed 8212; would also be cheaper due to change in pulse rates. Local calls would also become costlier with the pulse being reduced to 180 seconds instead of 300 seconds.

Rural subscribers would be allowed 250 free calls, while urban subscribers would be allowed 150 free calls. Rental rates in cities would vary depending on the number of lines in the exchange. An exchange having upto 100 lines would require a rental of Rs 140, while Rs 240 would be charged as rental from subscribers of exchanges having upto 30,000 lines.

For exchanges having upto one lakh lines, the rental would be Rs 360 and Rs 500 for exchanges with more than one lakh lines. However a concession of 25 per cent is being allowed to schools, universities, affiliated colleges, polytechnics and non-commercial research organisations recognised by the government subject to a maximum of two telephones.