How many times have you noticed that your operator ( Even a big one! ) without coverage in some places in your circle (state) while another operator has decent coverage. Ideally your operator should provide seamless coverage through the other network - This is called Intra circle roaming. But this is not implemented as it is not mandated by the regulator.
The recent NTP-2012 announcement on free inter circle roaming ( between different states) is obviously good news for subscribers. The timeline for implementing is awaited. National roaming accounts for 6 to 7% of Operators' revenue. Why will operators let go this revenue just like that?
Will call rates go up across the board? very likely. However the regulator could come-up with a sliding rate plan and bring the charges to zero eventually.
What will happen to data roaming ? Here maybe we should take a leaf out of Europe where the EU has mandated a gradual decrease in roaming charges over a period of time. EU has also mandated ceiling charges for Wholesale ( rate agreement between two operators) and retail rates.
