Consumer Council conducts survey on 4G plans prices and terms

Since the SAR Government granted four licenses to telecommunication companies to provide 4G services in June 2015, all telecommunication services providers offer various monthly plans and fee standards. In order to enhance transparency of the said service and for consumers’ easy reference, Consumer Council conducts a survey on the prices and terms of 4G plans. A consolidated list of thirty monthly plans is now available on the Council’s website (www.consumer.gov.mo). Three companies completed the survey Consumer Council sent out surveys to four local telecommunication service providers in September to survey their general terms and rules, basic monthly plans, data plans, and plans for shared data in two regions or above. CTM, Hutchison, and SmarTone made responses to the said survey. Service terms affect consumers’ rights and obligations The rights and obligations of consumers using 4G telecommunication services are bound by the terms and regulations set up by the service providers. According to the surveys received, all three service providers do not allow unused voice airtime and mobile data usage to be carried forward to the next month, also, if consumers choose to terminate their contract in advance, two service providers will charge consumers for a ‘penalty fee’. Thirty monthly 4G plans by three providers The three telecommunication service providers offer a total of 30 monthly plans to consumers, each plan consists of different calculation and charging method, consumers are advised to compare the plans and consider carefully before choosing any company. It is also suggested to choose a plan based on one’s budget to avoid spending too much on the monthly fees. Clear and transparent information help consumers plan ahead The survey result shows that all service providers are able to send reminders to consumers regarding their mobile data usage, and contract renewal date, etc., however, the massive information of 4G plans offered by service providers may not be clear enough to consumers, the Council therefore suggests telecommunication service providers to further enhance the transparency and clarity of such information. Consumers should also inquire more, and make sure they understand the terms and regulations, as well as charging method of the telecommunication company before signing any contract. The said 4G plans survey is now available on the Council’s website (www.cosnumer.gov.mo). For enquire, please call 8988 9315.