Alfa launches roaming service for prepaid lines

Mobile network operator Alfa, managed by Orascom Telecom, has launched a new international roaming scheme for prepaid lines users.

The ‘Prepaid Voice Roaming’ (PVR) service allows users to receive calls during their travel through 292 mobile operators in 154 countries. PVR does not require any subscription fee and is automatically activated upon the arrival of the subscriber to the country of destination. Subscribers will also be able to make calls via specific operators in countries abroad according to a timetable.

Marwan Hayek, Alfa Chairman and CEO said PVR will be gradually replacing the currently used Roam-In service. “PVR is more practical as unlike the Roam-in, it allows the subscriber to make their calls directly,” said Hayek. He said PVR will be less expensive than the Roam-In.

On average, 7000 Alfa subscribers use the Roam-In service on a monthly basis. Alternatively, the number of PVR users reached some 60,000 during the month of December alone.

Making calls is currently available in Turkey via Turkcell, in UAE via Etisalat, and in Egypt through Mobinil. By the end of this month, it will be made available in France through Bouygues Telecom, in Iraq through Korek Telecom, and in Kuwait through VIVA. The calling service will be available in the KSA through STC, and a number of other operators who will be announced later.

Alfa has launched another package earlier this month, the ‘Alfa2Alfa’ prepaid plan which provides over 50 percent discounts on phone calls and on SMS made to any other Alfa number (prepaid or postpaid). With a minimum $30 monthly tariff, the plan offers an 80 percent discount on the Internet service Pay As You Go.