New Delhi: In a bonanza for its fixed-line subscribers, state-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) today (Dec 9, 2003) announced a reduction in STD call charges by 25 per cent within a circle.

The call charges for distance beyond 100 km will be Rs 1.80 per minute in place of Rs 2.40 per minute earlier, the company's chairman Prithipal Singh said.

He said the new rates would be effective from December 15.

Earlier this month, BSNL slashed by 50 per cent its international long distance rates to a few Asian countries – Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand – as a festive season offer till January 15.

Call rates to these countries are now charged Rs 12 per minute as against Rs 24.

The discount call rates announced earlier – to the United Kingdom at Rs 7.20 per minute and to other European countries, the United States and Canada at Rs 9.60 – were extended till January 15.

Both the groups of offers are valid round the clock with no distinction as peak and off-peak hours.

PTI