Bharti Airtel, Idea Cellular gain on 'free' roaming packs

MUMBAI: Shares of Bharti Airtel and Idea Cellular moved higher in a rangebound market after the duo announced 'free' roaming packs, paving the way for cheaper roaming across India.

At 09:40 a.m.; Bharti Airtel was at Rs 298.10, up 0.93 per cent, on the BSE. It touched a high of Rs 300 and a low of Rs 292 in trade today.

Idea Cellular was at Rs 145.15, up 0.66 per cent, on the BSE. It touched a high of Rs 145.75 and a low of Rs 143.60 in trade today.

Airtel on Monday became the first to announce "free incoming calls" on roaming at a charge of Rs 5 per day to its prepaid customers. Airtel subscribers can also opt for the one-time pack of Rs 79, which provides free incoming calls on roaming for 30 days.

Idea Cellular also launched two new prepaid vouchers to offer 'free roaming' to its over 123 million subscribers in all 22 circles, without incurring any further charge.