By-second mobile data rates pushed

By-second mobile data rates pushed

Mobile internet users can expect slightly lower mobile phone bills now that regulators have resolved to require operators to charge them by the second, according to a <a href="http://www.thairath.co.th/content/482591" target="_blank">Thairath report</a>.

The change would be in line with the overhaul of voice calling charges that regulators ordered earlier this year. Charging by the second is fairer to users as many calls are very short but operators used to round up the time to the nearest minute.

The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) will discuss the new data rules on Tuesday with Advanced Info Service (AIS), Total Access Communication (DTAC), True Move, and state-owned TOT and CAT Telecom.

At present, operators charge data users either by the minute or by the amount of data transferred. There are also unlimited-time packages bundled with voice calls but speeds vary.

The NBTC has also urged consumers to report any other issues they have with their providers by calling its 1200 hotline.

NBTC secretary-general Thakoon Tanthasith said the number of mobile internet users had jumped in recent years as evidenced by increasing sales of smartphones. In 2013, the NBTC approved imports of 21.7 million units.

At present, there are 30 million mobile internet users, who spend 3.5 hours on average surfing the internet each day, he said.

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