New Delhi, Oct. 23 :    New Delhi, Oct. 23:  The Department of Posts has revised the rates of international speed post services and parcels with effect from the November 1, 2000. Under the revised package, the existing weight slab of 200 grams has been replaced by a higher slab of 250 grams. Till now, speed post postage rates were applied on the basis of distance of transmission of mail, up to 5,000 km and more. The rates are being revised after seven years and the increase is marginal. The impact of the hike will be offset to some extent by an increase in the weight content of each slab. 'With the increase in number of categories, the customer will get greater value for money. For the first time, the rates of foreign parcels of all categories have been reduced in order to harmonise them with speed post rates and to boost traffic,' an official statement said. The speed post rates are the highest, followed by air, surface air lifted (SAL) and surface postage rates. India has SAL parcel service with 23 foreign administrations. It provides transmission of surface parcels by air at a reduced priority. This service is being extended to 15 more countries from November 1 - Iran, China, Brazil, Botswana, Australia, Kenya, Greece, Norway, Mexico, Finland, Portugal, Russian Federation, South Africa, Thailand and Zimbabwe.