Beware of traps in mobile data charges - CHOICE # 380 (June 16,
2008
PDF version
Disputes between users and network operators over charges of
mobile phone data service are on the rise.
In the first 5 months of this year, the Consumer Council has
received a total of 143 cases of consumer complaints relating to
mobile data services. There were 270 similar cases in 2007, 108 in
2006 and 55 in 2005.
Most complaints were allegedly about GPRS (General Packet Radio
Service) and 3G mobile data charges. GPRS is a GSM (Global System
for Mobile) based wireless communication service that allows
instant access to the Internet for mobile phone users.
Being connected continuously online on your mobile phone may
sound like an appealing notion to many.
But consumers are strongly advised to pay close attention to the
possible charges incurred. They should fully understand the pricing
details, terms and conditions before signing any contract for
mobile data service.
The pricing can vary substantially, depending on the means of
connection - by WiFi or mobile (GSM/3G) network.
While WiFi may be free of charge when connected to specified
hotspots, data traffic through mobile network can be very
expensive.
In the case of the latter, the fee is usually charged according
to the data volume instead of connection time length, based usually
on very tiny unit, e.g. per kilobyte. Thus even downloading
ordinary multi-media or webpage containing graphic contents will
incur very high cost.
Consumers may not be aware that their mobile phones may
automatically switch to mobile network for data traffic due to the
weak signal of WiFi (which is only applicable to very short
distance connection).
If users want only to connect to WiFi, it is advisable that they
should disable mobile data connection.
Alternatively, if they opt to join a mobile data plan for
unlimited usage, beware that some packages of unlimited usage are
limited to specified channels, portals, or nature of network
applications, and may not apply to all kinds of data.
If users do not intend to use any data services, they should
turn off the related functions in their mobile devices or switch
the connection function to manual mode so that it will not connect
to mobile data service accidentally.
Operators are urged to provide detailed and clear indications on
pricing of data content. They should consider to alert users on the
amount of data being used by SMS or email, for example, when the
incurred cost exceeds the capped amount.
Meanwhile, in this June issue of CHOICE, the Consumer Council
has released the test results of 22 new mobile phones - 13 of them
3G and 9 GSM phones. 21 samples have camera function with picture
resolution from 0.3 to 5 megapixels (there are 4 samples with
resolution up to 5 megapixels).
For the first time, a sample with 3X optical zoom lens was
included also in the test. 19 samples also act as MP3 players, 15
of them can accept external storage card for extending the memory
storage.
The test included basic performance, phone, SMS, picture, music
functions, and versatility.
Also included in the report are tips for the elderly to choose
mobile phones that suit their own specific needs in usage.
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