Bharti Airtel has come into partnership with Bridge Alliance, a union of 14 global telcos operating in different countries, in its bid to offer cheaper roaming services.

The deal will see Airtel, which has operations in 17 countries, benefit from discounted roaming rates decided by the partners as opposed to market rates.

“Airtel Africa will now be able to extend its geographical reach, simplified and competitive data roaming and voice services,” Alessandro Adriani, CEO of Bridge Alliance, said without providing the discounted rates.

Additionally, the undisclosed partners expect to share their expertise, research and empirical evidence gathered from other markets within the alliance, Airtel said.

The operator however revealed that the alliance would cover Australia, Bangladesh, East Timor, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Macau, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand.

The Indian-based company will reciprocate by providing cheaper roaming deals where the operators don’t have a presence.