Charging of Telephone Mobile Data Services

With the launch of 3G services in 2004, consumers can enjoy various kinds of mobile data services such as short messaging, mobile Internet services, content downloading services, multimedia services, video call services and mobile TV services.Such wide range of data services have brought in relatively complicated service plans and charging mechanisms.

Operators usually classify short message service (SMS) into intra-operator SMS and inter-operator SMS.Some service plans offer free intra-operator SMS while charges will be imposed on inter-operator SMS.There are also service plans which only cover a certain amount of free SMS and charges will be imposed on each message exceeding the free amount.Furthermore, please be reminded that international SMS charges are applicable to short messages sent to overseas, whereas SMS roaming charges will be imposed when using SMS overseas.

Charges for video call service are usually based on airtime (duration of call) which is similar to that for voice calls.It is common for service plans to cover certain amount of free intra-operator video calls, whereas inter-operator video calls will be charged separately.If you make a video call to an overseas country, you have to pay a video IDD charge as well.

Charges for multimedia services such as content downloading services, games, browsing web pages and information services are normally relatively expensive.Unlike voice call or video call, most multimedia services are charged by data usage volume usually with Kilobyte (KB) as a charging unit.A short paragraph of news will reach a few KBs while a page containing a photograph from a web page may amount to tens or hundreds of KBs.When you use multimedia services overseas, roaming charges are applicable as well.

Mobile email service delivers emails to PDAs or mobile phones so that users can manage their business and personal emails anytime anywhere.This service is normally charged by email data usage volume. Please note that separate email roaming charges may be applicable when using such service outside Hong Kong.

In addition, your attention is required on the following areas:

• Unlimited Internet access service plans may be applicable to the use of specific browsers only.
• Free-of-charge TV channels may be confined to a specific set of channels only.
• Charges for data services via the Wi Fi network may be different from those for data services via the 2.5G/3G network.
• An MSN messenger service with a fixed charge but unlimited usage may cover text transmission only, while picture and sound files may be charged according to data volume. Specific software may also be required for the use of the service.
• Do not rashly download any pictures, video clips, songs or software of unknown size if you are concerned about the data service charges that will be incurred.
• Read the tariff pamphlets or the relevant web pages of mobile operators (or service providers) carefully. Check with their staff if necessary.

To avoid subsequent disputes on bills with your service providers, you are advised to read and compare the service plans of various operators carefully as well as to make sure that the mobile phone and the software you are going to use are compatible with the services before signing a contract. When considering subscription of a service offered in a "package", special attention should be paid to the items covered by the service fee, the charging mechanism and the imposition of any additional charges under special circumstances.It is always advisable to consult your friends / relatives who have used the service you are going to subscribe to and clarify any doubts in the service or the contract with the service provider before committing.