BSNL to launch International Calling Cards

NEW DELHI: Country's largest telecom operator BSNL will launch prepaid international calling card aimed at Indian expatriate community as well as Indian tourists abroad.

According to BSNL officials, the company will be launching the card in six regions, namely the US and Canada, the Middle east, South East Asia, Western Europe, UK and Australia.

The card would enable users to call from any landline, mobile or any voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) enabled device from these countries.

The PSU has also invited Expression of Interest (EOI) from companies or consortium of companies to sell and market its international cards which would be available both in India as well as abroad, according to BSNL officials.

The successful bidders would have to set up their network up to Indian ILD CLS (Cable landing station)/POP (point of presence).

BSNL has separate bilateral relationship with global carriers for outbound and inbound international voice traffic. Some of the overseas traffic is being routed through other Indian ILDOs also.

The company wants to route all the overseas calling card traffic through its ILD Gateways.

The PSU operator at present has four ILD gateways and plans to increase it further.

Many private operators have already launched similar cards targetting the Indian expatriate community.