Telecom service provider Sistema Shyam TeleServices Ltd (SSTL) slashed its calling rates to Japan by 78 per cent to Rs 1.99 a minute to help connect people with friends in the earthquake-struck nation.

"There are people all over India who are concerned about the well being of their friends and loved ones. In an endeavour to do its bit, MTS India has taken a decision to drop the calling rates to Japan by 78 per cent to Rs 1.99 per minute," MTS India Chief Marketing Officer Leonid Musatov said.

The earlier calling rate was Rs 9.19 per minute, he added.

A massive earthquake, followed by a devastating tsunami hit Japan on March 11, leaving thousands of people dead or unaccounted for. Japan is now facing a radiation scare with some explosions across various reactors being reported.

Sistema owns 73.7 per cent stake in SSTL, India''s Shyam group owns 23.8 per cent while the rest 2.4 per cent is held by the public in the company.