Mobile network operators will be required to charge usage fees by the actual call time in seconds under the new consumer protection regulation.
The National Reform Council (NRC) voted yesterday to have service providers charge mobile phone users based on the number of seconds, instead of minutes, spent on each call as a part of a consumer protection reform plan.
Most NRC members expressed agreement that the new regulation would help protect mobile phone users.
In addition, the NRC pointed out that the historic overcharges incurred on consumers were due in part to the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC)’s oversight in policing telecommunications providers. Therefore, the NRC also proposed that the NBTC itself undergo an internal reform to enhance its accountability.
The NRC also agreed with proposals made by members of the committee on consumer protection reform in regards to conducting additional studies on how to further improve the infrastructure and services of the telecommunications industry.
The NRC will now send the proposal to the National Council for Peace and Order to approve in principle, after which the NBTC will be obligated to swiftly implement the new regulations.
Telecommunications companies will also be advised over their future treatment of consumers, state media reported.
