VSNL Launches Trueroots

LONDON -- VSNL (NYSE:VSL), a leading communications solutions provider, announced today the launch of truerootsTM, an International Calling Service that allows people from South Asia residing in the United Kingdom to reliably, securely and economically reach out and connect with their family and friends. The launch is being celebrated at a cricket event taking place today at the Lord’s Media Centre, where more than 100 South Asian community leaders, influential business executives, and media will be addressed by senior executives from the Tata Group and VSNL.

Officially available in the UK beginning August 21st, the new truerootsTM International Calling Service offers superior voice quality and easy to access connectivity across the globe, without hidden fees or extra charges, and without the need for a physical calling card, which can often be lost or stolen and subject to fraudulent use. TruerootsTM provides highly competitive rates to South Asian countries including India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka supported by a 24/7 customer service organization. Calls are carried on VSNL’s extensive global fiber optic network, one of the world’s largest global submarine cable infrastructures, providing unsurpassed quality and capacity and ensuring clear and error free connectivity.

“As a truly international company, VSNL understands the need to stay true to your roots and keep in touch with the people in your life that mean the most – family and friends,” said Sandeep Mathur, Head of Corporate Affairs for VSNL. “Our goal was to create an international calling service that is truly unique in the industry, delivering on the promises of crystal clear quality, uninterrupted calling and cost effective connectivity without hidden fees.”

Mathur continued, “As a member of the Tata Group, one of India's largest and most respected business conglomerates, VSNL shares the culture of strict adherence to business ethics and a strong commitment to corporate social responsibility and community. Built upon this philosophy, VSNL’s truerootsTM calling service will enable members of the South Asian community living in the United Kingdom to feel confident about their international calling experience and know that they can connect with their home countries and pay only for the minutes they use at economical rates. We are pleased that we can support the rapidly growing UK South Asian community with a service that lives up to the quality standards they expect and deserve, and that helps make it easier for them to stay close to their close ones across the world.”

The truerootsTM service can be purchased online through a user friendly web portal at www.trueroots.co.uk or by calling VSNL customer service directly, 365 days a year. It offers advanced features including a prepaid recharge option, which allows a calling account to be recharged. Other features include instant recognition of calling line ID for PIN-less dialing from up to 5 registered phone numbers, the ability to make up to three follow-on calls without having to redial the access number, speed dial capabilities for up to 5 frequently dialed numbers, and last number redial.

“With the goal of fostering communication and helping to unite the South Asian community across the world, truerootsTM is a truly innovative service,” said Syed Anwar Hasan, Managing Director, Tata Limited, UK. “The Tata family of companies’ purpose is to improve the quality of life of the communities we serve by offering services that exemplify our five core values of integrity, understanding, excellence, unity and responsibility. The truerootsTM International Calling Service is representative of these values and will assist in the continued development of the South Asian community.”

Videsh Sanchar Nigam Ltd. (VSNL) (NYSE: VSL)