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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