VSNL cuts overseas call rates

The charge per minute during off-peak hours works out to Rs 24 for SAARC and other neighbouring countries categorised as Slab-1 countries. For Europe, Africa, the Gulf, Oceania and other Asian countries Slab-2 it works out Rs 40, and for countries in America and the Western hemisphere Slab-3, it is Rs 51.45.

During peak hours, Slab-1 countries will have a per-minute charge of Rs 28.80; Slab-2 countries, Rs 48; Slab-3 countries, Rs 60. All per-minute rates have been calculated at Rs 1.20 per pulse.

Off-peak hours for Oceania and Asiancountries will be from 7 pm to 8 pm and for Europe, from 10 pm to 11 am. Countries in the American continent will have their off-peak hours from 11 am to 6 pm and 12 midnight to 6 am.

quot;VSNL expects a significant growth in ISD traffic from India with the steep reduction in rates and convenient calling times,quot; VSNL acting chairman and managing director Amitabh Kumar said in a statement. The public sector undertaking, which announced its results for 1998-99 on Thursday, said its profits were largely driven by volume growth in ISD traffic and the new tariffs would have a positive impact on its bottomline.