Telcos dial up international roaming perks to take on eSIM companies
As the holiday season bumps up foreign travel, the country's telecom operators are enhancing their international roaming services to ward off competition from affordable eSIM providers.Over the last year or so, flexible plans for international travellers had helped telecom operators corner the market, pushing players like Matrix to the periphery. But now, they face a growing threat from low-cost travel eSIM providers, which are offering similar services at lower rates.While a typical telco plan might cost ₹3,000-5,000 for 7-10 days of validity with limited data, eSIM providers such as Saily, Jetpac and Matrix offer data-only plans for less than half that rate, said industry executives and analysts.The companies did not immediately respond to ET's emails seeking comments.
Analysts, however, point to the low penetration of eSIMs in India as a challenge for the low-fee service providers. Nevertheless, telecom operators are sweetening their offerings in a bid to keep their higher revenue generating subscribers from opting for the services of low-cost travel eSIM providers. Indians travelling abroad have generally been using a basic telecom plan, primarily for receiving one-time passwords (OTPs) that are needed for financial transactions, and supplementing it with a travel eSIM or local physical SIM for data, said Siddhant Cally, research analyst at Counterpoint Research. Over the last one month or so, both Airtel and Vodafone Idea have come out with upgraded international roaming plans, with enhanced data benefits, flexible activation, seamless coverage across countries, and longer validity in a bid to shore up benefits to premium customers travelling abroad.
"Telcos are increasing their focus on international roaming plans, despite it not being a very high-revenue contributing business segment," said Balaji Subramanian, analyst at IIFL Securities. "Any additional revenue, even if a small percentage (estimated potentially at 1-1.5% of mobile revenue, or ₹1,000-1500 crore annually), is welcome." He said offering attractively priced roaming plans is viewed as a very effective tool to improve customer stickiness and reduce churn, especially among higher average revenue per user (ARPU) customers who travel abroad frequently. Meeting the needs of higher-segment customers who travel abroad enhances their overall experience with the network, Subramanian said.Earlier, top telecom executives such as Bharti Airtel managing director and chief executive Gopal Vittal had highlighted international roaming as strategically important for retaining high-value customers and differentiating the company's offerings in a competitive market, despite being a relatively small contributor to overall revenues.International travel by Indians has rebounded sharply since the pandemic, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. In 2024, outbound departures rose to 30.2 million, up 8% from 2023, which had recorded a 29% year-on-year jump, according to a Thomas Cook report. The previous peak was 26.9 million in 2019.Globally, foreign travellers spend $12-20 per trip on travel eSIMs, Counterpoint Research said.Providers of eSIMs typically operate as light MVNOs (mobile virtual network operator), which purchase connectivity in bulk from roaming aggregators, offering predominantly data-only plans, often excluding SMS or voice services, which keep costs low.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Indians eye other visa routes amid H-1B uncertainty, layoffs
Amid tightened scrutiny of H-1B work visa applications and ongoing tech layoffs in the US, Indian professionals and their employers are increasingly looking at other non-immigrant visas such as L-1 and O-1, immigration experts said. There is also a spike in demand for EB-5 immigrant investor visas. While these developments are not new, there has been an increase in the number of people seeking help in the past few months, US immigration attorney Gnanamookan Senthurjothi told ET. The new Donald Trump administration has tightened scrutiny of H-1B visas since taking office early this year. According to the data from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the number of H-1B visa applications shortlisted this year has declined 27% on year—the lowest since the pandemic-impacted FY21. Every year, the US has been approving 85,000 H-1B visas for foreign workers, with Indians securing close to 70% of these visas. Layoffs by tech majors including Microsoft, Google and Intel have added to the anxiety of Indians working in the US. Discover the stories of your interest Blockchain 5 Stories Cyber-safety 7 Stories Fintech 9 Stories E-comm 9 Stories ML 8 Stories Edtech 6 Stories 'Our clients have become more fearful and anxious, particularly regarding international travel and visa 'stamping' at consular posts abroad,' said Joel Yanovich, attorney at immigration firm Murthy Law Firm. 'I don't think a day goes by where I don't have a client or two asking me whether it's safe to travel.' All this has led to an uptick in demand for L-1 and O-1 visa categories, which do not have annual limits like H-1B. While L-1 visa is for intracompany transfer, O-1 is for those possessing extraordinary ability in the areas including science, arts or business. Visa alternatives 'Part of this (spike in L-1 and O-1 demand) is seasonal, based on people not being selected for the H-1B lottery,' Yanovich said. 'But part of this appears to stem from employers and individuals hoping to avoid the heightened scrutiny they fear the H-1B program may face.' Sukanya Raman, country head - India & GCC practice team at Davies & Associates LLC, said, 'What we are also seeing is that some companies are transferring their employees to other countries such as Canada or somewhere outside of the US for a brief time so that they will qualify for L-visa.' This applies to those in the managerial position and can eventually transition to EB-1C to get the US green card, she said. Some are also considering EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver), which is for individuals possessing advanced degrees that are working for national interest in the US, Raman said. The demand for EB-5 investor visas has also increased 50% since January 2025. 'These are in current status for Indian nationals, which means that visas are available and can get their authorisation and travel documents in 3-6 months,' Raman said. 'This will allow them to legally stay in the US.' The EB-5 is particularly in demand from Indian families who are currently in H-1B and their children are aging out, which refers to children who are turning 21 before parents get their green card, she said.
Hans India
2 hours ago
- Hans India
Viksit Bharat 2047: BJP Aiza Unit Highlights Vision of a Developed India on Modi Government's 11-Year Milestone
Gadwal: A special meeting was held at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office in Aiza town under the leadership of Aiza Town BJP President Kompati Bhagat Reddy and Mandal President Gopalakrishna to mark the completion of 11 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. The event featured BJP State Council Member Bandala Venkataramulu as the chief guest. Speaking on the occasion, Venkataramulu emphasized the Modi government's transformative journey over the past 11 years, highlighting its roadmap for turning India into a 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India) by 2047 — the 100th anniversary of Indian Independence. Vision of Viksit Bharat 2047: He elaborated on the government's clear and structured vision to transform India into a fully developed nation by 2047. This vision rests on four pillars: Youth (Yuva) Poor (Garib) Women (Mahila) Farmers (Annadata) To achieve this, major initiatives have been taken: Income tax reforms, investment in infrastructure, and support for agriculture, MSMEs, and startups. Plans to expand inclusive economic participation, aiming to transform India into a $30 trillion economy in two decades. Focus on integrating infrastructure, expanding welfare schemes, accelerating economic growth, promoting sustainability, and enhancing ease of living and business. Welfare Schemes Benefiting Millions: The Modi government's food security programs are benefiting over 80 crore Indians. The Jan Dhan Yojana, the world's largest financial inclusion scheme, has empowered crores by giving them access to banking. Special focus is being given to empowering marginalized groups like Divyangjans (persons with disabilities) through targeted support mechanisms. Over 3 crore affordable homes have been provided to rural poor, especially tribal communities, enhancing their quality of life. Schemes like PM-KISAN, PM Fasal Bima Yojana, and Soil Health Cards have ensured financial security and protection against crop loss for millions of farmers. Empowering Women: The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam guarantees 33% reservation for women in Parliament and State Assemblies, including SC/ST quotas. Criminalization of triple talaq has strengthened the rights and safety of Muslim women. Over 28 crore women have opened Jan Dhan accounts. A majority of the beneficiaries under PM Mudra Yojana and Stand-Up India are women. Schemes like Jal Jeevan Mission, Swachh Bharat Mission, and PMMVY are improving women's health, hygiene, and empowerment. Development in Education and Health: An initial allocation of ₹630 crores has been released to PM SHRI schools. 12 institutions have been declared Institutes of Eminence. Under PM Awas Yojana (Grameen), over 2.5 crore homes have been built. Swachh Bharat Mission and its second phase focus on sanitation and waste management, especially under women's leadership. PM Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission and Digital Health Mission are strengthening public healthcare and digital connectivity. Scientific Achievements: India's progress in space technology has also been remarkable. With Chandrayaan-3, India became the first country to reach the Moon's south pole. The Aditya-L1 mission is studying the Sun, and the upcoming Gaganyaan mission will soon send Indian astronauts into space. Participants: The event saw participation from District Council Member Pradeep Swamy, Giddanna, Town Vice Presidents Lakshman Goud, Bellankonda Nagaraju, Rajashekar, Parashuram, Deshanna, Raju, Raghu, Basanna Goud, Bheemanna, and several other BJP leaders and party workers. The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to spread awareness among the people about the Viksit Bharat mission and the Modi government's development and welfare initiatives across all sections of society.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Columbia Crisis: Trump's crackdown sends chill through Indian students
New Delhi: A recent notification by the Trump administration that Columbia University failed to meet the standards for accreditation could have far-reaching consequences for students, particularly international students, many of whom are from India, experts said. Loss of accreditation could mean that securing a visa for studying at Columbia will not be possible. Students may become ineligible for scholarships and grants, and those graduating could struggle for jobs as their degrees would lose recognition. The US Department of Education announced on Wednesday that it formally notified the Middle States Commission on Higher Education , Columbia's accrediting body, that the university may have violated federal anti-discrimination laws by allegedly failing to protect Jewish students on campus. The move, which comes after Trump's order restricting Harvard University from enrolling international students, suggests the US administration is escalating its scrutiny of elite universities. Indians form the second largest student community at Columbia University. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Live Comfortably: 60 m² Prefab Bungalow for Seniors in Denliko Pre Fabricated Homes | Search Ads Search Now Undo In the 2024-25 academic year, 1,241 Indian students were enrolled at Columbia. While the latest US action may face legal obstacles, as in the case of Harvard, it does raise uncertainty, said study-abroad experts. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) Live Events "This sends a chilling message to Indian students and families," said Adarsh Khandelwal, cofounder of Collegify, a college-admissions consultancy. "These students are not just numbers; they represent dreams, aspirations, and significant investments." Sukanya Raman, country head at immigration law firm Davies & Associates, explained the risks in stark terms. "Accreditation is a prerequisite for issuing student visas and serves as a foundational eligibility criterion for participation in federal financial aid programmes. Should an institution lose its accredited status, international students may become ineligible for scholarships, grants, or financial assistance that require enrolment in an accredited academic institution." The absence of institutional accreditation may render academic degrees unrecognised by employers, professional licensing authorities and other educational institutions, said Raman. "This lack of recognition can materially impair a student's ability to pursue gainful employment or advanced academic study, thereby affecting long-term professional and educational outcomes." Columbia may challenge the threat legally, arguing it undermines academic freedom and institutional autonomy, said experts. On Thursday, a federal judge in Boston granted a temporary restraining order on Trump's directive banning US entry of foreign nationals seeking admission at Harvard for six months. In her order, US District Judge Allison Burroughs said Harvard would face "immediate and irreparable injury" if the proclamation were to go into effect. A hearing has been scheduled for June 16, giving the university a narrow legal window to push back. Judge Burroughs had last month blocked another Trump order prohibiting Harvard from enrolling international students. Despite the uncertainty, education consultants are urging students not to panic. "We have come across some natural questions and concerns around visa validity," said Manisha Zaveri, joint managing director at education consultancy Career Mosaic. "We are reassuring them that such proclamations often undergo legal review and clarification, and universities typically step up support mechanisms when such uncertainty arises." Many US institutions are already reaching out to students, clarifying their visa status, providing legal assistance where needed, and even exploring credit transfers or deferral options, she said.
