Rumor: China to Set One-Way Calling Fee Policy by Sept
Chongqing Daily, 6/03/10
Questions regarding China's implementation of one-way mobile calling fees could be officially resolved by September. Recent reports say that China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) and the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) are jointly producing a "Notification on Adjustments to Local Mobile Calling Service Fee Management," clarifying one-way fees and other issues. Communications authorities in Chongqing said yesterday that they have received a draft version of the document for comment.
The source revealed that the core content of the draft version contains two main points: encouragement from state authorities to reduce tariffs by implementing one-way fees, while allowing mobile operators to set prices for local calling services on their own. The document specifically notes that operators may not levy local incoming call fees; roaming fees may be assessed based on prior regulations.
Editor's Note: The MIIT (formerly the MII) and NDRC initiated plans in 2007 to see the elimination of two-way billing, so that only the calling party pays. For more background on this topic, please see "MII Plans Two-Year Phase Out for Two-Way Charging," MD 5/11/07 issue.
Keywords: policy tariffs wireless MIIT calling party pays NDRC