The Hindu Business Line : India-on-call card from VSNL

VIDESH Sanchar Nigam Ltd has introduced a calling cardwhich will allow Indians travelling overseas to call India or any other destination across the world from any phone line, including payphones, mobiles and hotel phones.

"The Tata Indicom `India-on-Call' calling card has a potential subscriber base of over four million and is targeted at NRIs as well as Indians travelling abroad, including businessmen, professionals, tourists, students and pilgrims," a news release from the company said.

The cards are available in denominations of Rs 540, Rs 1,080 and Rs 2,160, and will be available online as well as through retail outlets in India and other international destinations such as Indian stores, travel agencies and international airports.

The service is currently available for calls originating from the US but will soon be extended to countries in Europe, West Asia, Asia and the Asia Pacific regions.

Mr S.K. Gupta, Managing Director, VSNL, called the card an important milestone for the company and said, "It is our first attempt to directly tap the global retail market for inbound calls and is our maiden retail foray into voice. This is an attractive market for us as it complements our overall retail strategy and is a lucrative revenue stream for us."