SINGAPORE : Singapore's mobile operators have been given the green light to charge different prices for calls within and outside of their own networks.
For example, if you are a SingTel Mobile subscriber, you may pay less for phone calls to other SingTel numbers; but you may pay more if you call subscribers of M1 or StarHub.
The change in pricing policy comes as SingTel, M1 and StarHub successfully met the government's requirement for a nationwide rollout of their 3G systems and services by the end-2004 deadline.
The Infocomm Development Authority says the relaxed mobile pricing is in line with its approach to minimise regulation in markets that are effectively competitive.
Under the new policy, operators have the flexibility to price their service packages and promotions to offer more choice and service innovation to customers.
Analysts say the move may lead to more aggressive marketing by Singapore's three mobile phone providers.
It may start a fresh round of discounted offers after the year-end holiday period.
When contacted, the telcos had mixed responses.
SingTel says it is pleased that IDA is allowing differentiated mobile pricing, and will review this positive development together with its overall mobile pricing strategy.
M1 says it is already practising differential pricing in some form, and can now be more creative in designing its tariff plans.
StarHub, though, had a different view.
While it has welcomed the latest development, it also says the market already has a wide array of complicated pricing plans.
It says differential pricing may confuse consumers even further. - CNA
I dun expect any much changes in rates though