MUMBAI: Calling ISD from your cell phone just got cheaper. Not just that, calling overseas from cells would be cheaper than using a fixed line.

Two of the larger players in the telecom business — Bharti Airtel and Hutch — cut their prices by 80 paise per minute on long distance tariffs. Others are expected to follow.

This cut translates into an 11% reduction on calling rates to countries like the US and Singapore. Until now, it cost you Rs 7.20 per minute.

Now, it will be Rs 6.40 per minute. For calls made to countries in West Asia and Saarc, you’ll now pay Rs 9.19 per minute, down from the current Rs 9.60 per minute.

What it also means is that it is now cheaper to place ISD calls on your cellular phone than the fixed line. It costs Rs 7.20 to call the US from a landline right now.