[May 17, 2013] All 3G operators agree to cut their tariffs Tweet May 18, 2013 (Bangkok Post - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- Mobile operators have bowed to pressure by the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) to lower all their 2G and 3G tariffs by 15% as per regulatory requirements. Secretary-general Takorn Tantasit said the three 3G mobile operators -- Advanced Info Service (AIS), Total Access Communication (DTAC) and True Move -- yesterday pledged to the NBTC that they will cut their 3G tariff rates. AIS's Advanced Wireless Network on Tuesday announced it will launch new 3G tariff packages on May 21. True's Real Future will do so on June 1, while DTAC pledged to comply with the rule once it rolls out its 3G commercial services, scheduled for early next month. The tariff reduction came after a shower of consumer complaints about some promotional packages not complying with regulatory requirements. The NBTC last month approved in principle the proposed 3G standard service contracts of the three operators holding licences to operate on the 2.1-gigahertz spectrum. The regulator ordered operators to cut tariffs for 3G service packages by 15-20% from existing 2G service rates as of last Dec 7. Operators were warned that failure to comply with the rules would mean penalties ranging from a simple warning to revocation of licences. Mr Takorn said the start-up tariff plan of 399 baht for 3G service will be reduced to 340 baht a month. The three operators also committed to reducing number portability service fees yesterday to 39 baht from 99 baht. The portability regulation allows mobile users to switch to different networks with their old phone numbers. The NBTC is urging all operators to expand the capacity of their number portability to 300,000 a day from the current combined 40,000 as soon as possible to serve 3G demand. The NBTC and 3G operators also agreed 2.1-GHz 3G customers will require a new SIM card to separate services under the licensing regime and those under concession. "The move could help to prevent cybercrime and reorganise the mobile industry under a licensing regulatory environment," he said. ___ (c)2013 the Bangkok Post (Bangkok, Thailand) Visit the Bangkok Post (Bangkok, Thailand) at www.bangkokpost.com Distributed by MCT Information Services [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]