This refers to a prepaid method of initiating telephone calls to the Republic of India. It offers an alternative to traditional long-distance services provided by telecommunication companies. For example, an individual residing in the United States might purchase one of these and use its unique access number and PIN to connect to a designated network, ultimately routing their call to a recipient in India.
The importance of this type of service stems from its cost-effectiveness and accessibility. Historically, direct long-distance calling rates could be prohibitively expensive, particularly for frequent communication. These alternatives provided a significantly cheaper option, fostering communication between individuals and families across geographical boundaries. They also circumvented the need for extensive contractual agreements often associated with conventional long-distance providers, providing flexibility and convenience.