Orange is to start selling a mobile phone Sim card designed specifically for calling abroad.

The company has been losing revenue to calling card operators who offer access to international calls from the UK via a local number.

Orange says its new Sim will offer the cheapest rates currently available for international calls.

The Orange Call Abroad Sim will be available nationwide without a handset from Orange shops and newsagents. It costs £5. Call costs start at 5p per minute to the USA, while a call to Brazil costs 12p and Sri Lanka 15p per minute.

Orange says its research shows that people find 'the lack of transparency' around calling cards confusing, and are also flummoxed by 'misleading price structures'. Calls made using the Sim to UK numbers will be charged at Orange pay-as-you-go rates.