Fishermen and merchants have demanded that satellite phones, recently launched by BSNL costing more than Rs. 1 lakh, be given for free or at a subsidised rate. They are planning to raise the demand with political leaders in the Central and State Governments soon. S. Lasington, secretary,Coastal Sailing Vessel Owners Association, said that while it would be beneficial for sail vessels that transported goods, including perishables, home utilities and other materials, to places such as Maldives, Sri Lanka and Lakshadweep, the high cost made it unaffordable for many. The cost of the equipment and the SIM comes to around Rs. 1.1 lakh, said Mr. Lasington. The equipment would be helpful during natural calamities like Cyclone Ockhi, he added. They had also sought international roaming facility using the satellite phones, as many ventured outside Indian territorial waters. BSNL officials, during a meeting, promised us that the roaming facility would be made available soon after getting permission from the Union Home and External Affairs Ministries. But the process has to be expedited, he said. During the meeting, mechanised boat owners also voiced similar concerns.