KARACHI, Oct 31: New PTCL tariff is being implemented from Nov 1 whereby rates of international and nationwide calls have been reduced considerably.

The PTCL has intimated all its operational regions for the implementation and compliance of the decision. The PTA has also endorsed the tariff reductions.

The decision to reduce the tariff was taken in line with the directives of the federal minister for information technology, Awais Ahmad Leghari. The minister had directed the PTCL management to further facilitate the people by reducing the existing tariffs. The PTCL had sent the agreed tariff change to the Pakistan Telecom Authority.

The PTCL has reduced nationwide call rates for distance exceeding 160 kms from Rs10.04 to Rs8.50 per minute. Thus a reduction of 15.34 per cent has been introduced. Likewise, rates for distances exceeding 80 km to 160 km have been reduced from Rs 7 to Rs 6.50 per minute.

Similarly, the PTCL has reduced overseas call rates by 23 per cent. Per minute call rates for countries like Australia, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, France, Germany, Iraq, Japan, Libya, Norway, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Tajikistan, Turkey, UAE, UK and US were Rs 39, which have now been fixed at Rs 30 per minute. The company has retained SAARC countries tariff for one minute at Rs 25.