Pre-paid customers of Sistema Shyam TeleServices Ltd (SSTL), which offers mobile phone services under the MTS brand, can now roam across networks in 231 countries on their existing SIM cards.

MTS today launched international roaming services for its pre-paid subscribers, enabling them to roam across 433 GSM networks in 231 countries, SSTL said in a statement.

MTS customers will be able to avail services in countries like the United States of America, Canada, Brazil, Chile, UK, France, Germany, China, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Australia and New-Zealand, among others.

The company has also launched a dual mode SIM card which would work both on GSM handsets while abroad and on CDMA handsets while in India.

The company will use MACH telecom software to facilitate roaming by its pre-paid customers across 433 GSM networks in 231 countries.

“With a view to enhance connectivity and convenience, we have now introduced international roaming services for our customers. This would enable our customers to stay connected while travelling abroad without changing their phone numbers and also enjoy seamless data connectivity on the go internationally,” MTS India Chief Marketing and Sales Officer, Mr Leonid Musatov, said.

MTS customers on international roaming would have access to GPRS services in 206 countries on 322 telecom networks.

Additionally, MTS customers will be able to enjoy high-speed downlink packet access (HSDPA) services in 114 countries on 145 roaming networks.

“We are delighted that MTS India selected our market-leading, inter-standard roaming solution to be the first in India to provide its pre-paid customers with seamless access to international roaming on GSM networks across the world,” MACH India Regional Vice-President (Sales), Mr Raghunatha Chary, said.

SSTL is a joint venture between Sistema of Russia, the Russian government and the Shyam Group of India. Sistema is the majority shareholder in the joint venture company.

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