Hutch pitches the 99 paise bait

BANGALORE: Aiming to provide affordable cellular service and easy-to-understand plans, Hutch introduced a simple 'flat rate' tariff structure for all Hutch and Orange pre-paid users. The new Hutch tariffs allow pre-paid users to make local calls to any mobile phone at 99 paise/minute and STD calls to any phone in the country for Rs. 2.25/minute. This was announced today by Harit Nagpal, Chief Marketing Officer, Hutch.

The new Hutch 'flat rate' tariffs are simple and easy to understand. The new 'flat rate' tariffs will benefit all Hutch and Orange pre-paid users whenever they call any mobile phone (numbers starting with the digit '9') locally, or make an STD call to any phone in the country.

Speaking about the new Hutch 'flat rate' tariffs, Harit Nagpal, said, "We have simplified the pre-paid tariff structure by introducing a flat outgoing rate to any local mobile phone. We are also increasing the affordability of a mobile pre-paid connection when compared to fixed lines rates. This is a good opportunity for fixed-line phone owners to become first-time mobile users. The flat rate for making STD calls, irrespective of the distance, is also a strong incentive for people to consider making calls from a Hutch pre-paid connection over a fixed line phone."

Hutch pre-paid users can avail of the new tariffs by sending an SMS 'Act 99' or 'Act STD' to 144. Users opting for the new tariff will be charged a monthly fee of Rs 25 for each subscription. Hutch users not opting for this promotion will anyway pay a lower rate of Rs 1.99 for all locals calls, compared to the existing rate of Rs 2.75.