In telecommunications term, international roaming refers to the extension of connectivity service to a foreign service provider´s network allowing customer to make and receive call or use data service.[break]
Operators say although the growth was very encouraging in recent years, the contribution in revenue was not yet overwhelming. Considered a ´luxury service´ by the operators themselves, the service saw a growth of up to 100 percent compared to a year ago. The service, according to the operators, is popular among business travelers, expatriates and employees of multi-national companies.
The number of subscribers using international roaming service is increasing because of reduction in tariff by about 20 percent compared to a year ago. Besides, operators are also working on new agreements in those countries where frequency of business travelers is high.
Private operator Ncell is offering 65 percent discount on voice and 80 percent discount on data on international roaming in Qatar with Vodafone. Likewise, it is also providing discount of 90 percent on data-roaming in USA with AT&T for a limited period.
As part of promotional strategy, the operators are also expanding their international roaming coverage, which was limited to a few countries some years ago. They have also signed up with multiple operators in the same country, providing customers with choices and better network coverage.
Ncell so far has tie-up with 200 different operators for the facility whereas Nepal Telecom (NT) has entered into roaming pact with 193 international operators. Similarly, Ncell has entered into an agreement with more than 100 operators for data-roaming.
“We are adding more operators and also trying to make the service available in those countries where we don´t have roaming service,” Sanju Koirala, corporate communication manager of Ncell, said.
Surendra Thike, spokesperson of Nepal Telecom (NT), said although the users of international roaming are increasing, it is difficult to pinpoint the exact number as they are active for a limited period only. “But the overall growth is positive. We are focusing on expansion and cheaper tariff to attract more users,” Thike said.
Koirala said increase in number of subscribers had helped them bring down the cost. “Still the number is negligible when compared to our subscriber base of 8 million,” she said, adding, “”The tariff will come down further if the number of users increases.”
Ncell users can activate international roaming by depositing Rs 10,000 with the operators. Subscribers of NT will have to deposit Rs 30,000 to activate the service.
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