China Mobile to lower roaming charges in countries and regions along the Silk Road

China's leading telecom services provider, China Mobile, has said that it will lower roaming charges in 64 countries and regions along the Silk Road. Starting 1 May, roaming fees for calls made by China Mobile users in these areas will fall to 0.99 yuan, or less than 15 US cents, per minute along the 'One Belt One Road', official name for Silk Road, Bao Jianyi, a marketing executive with the Beijing-based company, said at a press conference.In addition, users will enjoy cheaper fees for mobile internet use in 53 of the 64 areas. Plans costing 30, 60, or 90 yuan for daily unlimited internet use will be available in different countries and regions. The operator has launched a two-month trial run and is ready for the price change, Bao said.The change would facilitate Chinese enterprises' investment and construction along the Belt and Road, state-run Xinhua news agency reported today. The 'Belt and Road Initiative' proposed by China in 2013 consists of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road to expand China's trade and strategic influence.