New Delhi: State owned Mahanagar Telecom Nigam Ltd (MTNL) today (Feb 5, 2004) hiked marginally long distance tariffs on cell-to-cell calls by 60 paise while keeping the local tariffs unchanged after the implementation of new Interconnectivity User Charge (IUC) regime.

"In spite of implementation of new IUC regime, we have kept the local charges on our mobile phones unchanged contrary to private cellular service providers. Only in two segments of STD arena - between 200 to 500 kms and above 500 kms, we have increased tariffs," MTNL CMD R S P Sinha said.

In a distance slab of 200 to 500 kms, cell-to-cell calls would now cost Rs 2.30 a minute from Rs 1.90, while calls beyond 500 kms would now cost Rs 2.50 a minute against existing Rs 1.90 per minute.

Sinha said, "Additional cost was Rs 0.80, but we have increased the tariff only by 60 paise while absorbing rest of the cost."

Increased tariffs would be applicable only for post-paid subscribers, he said.