International Voice Tariffs: Disparities and Recommendations for Convergence in South Asia

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to explore the issues of international roaming in South Asia and make recommendations on how transparency and consistency in tariffs may be achieved; two elements that are important if the objective of SAARC is to provide its citizens a single-market environment. International roaming is a service that allows ease of communication for travelers and facilitates cross-border communication. It is a service that is only used by those who can afford foreign travel and high roaming charges; however, it is these communication links that connect the region. Affordability aside, research shows significant price variations within the SAARC region. Such disparities in roaming tariffs have long been the cause of concern for many and efforts have been made to regulate tariffs at a regional level within other organizations; the most successful being that of the European Union (EU). This paper also draws upon such examples.