SINGAPORE : Singapore's mobile operators have been given the
green light to charge different prices for calls within and outside
of their own networks.
For example, if you are a SingTel Mobile subscriber, you may pay
less for phone calls to other SingTel numbers; but you may pay more
if you call subscribers of M1 or StarHub.
The change in pricing policy comes as SingTel, M1 and StarHub
successfully met the government's requirement for a nationwide
rollout of their 3G systems and services by the end-2004
deadline.
The Infocomm Development Authority says the relaxed mobile pricing
is in line with its approach to minimise regulation in markets that
are effectively competitive.
Under the new policy, operators have the flexibility to price their
service packages and promotions to offer more choice and service
innovation to customers.
Analysts say the move may lead to more aggressive marketing by
Singapore's three mobile phone providers.
It may start a fresh round of discounted offers after the year-end
holiday period.
When contacted, the telcos had mixed responses.
SingTel says it is pleased that IDA is allowing differentiated
mobile pricing, and will review this positive development together
with its overall mobile pricing strategy.
M1 says it is already practising differential pricing in some form,
and can now be more creative in designing its tariff plans.
StarHub, though, had a different view.
While it has welcomed the latest development, it also says the
market already has a wide array of complicated pricing plans.
It says differential pricing may confuse consumers even further. -
CNA