BASIL ON VOICE MAIL CALL CHARGES BY MOBILE COMPANIES

PNG Deputy Opposition Leader Sam Basil has written to the Independent Consumer & Competition Commission (ICCC) to raise his concerns on the unnecessary charges on voice mail calls by mobile companies in the country. Mr. Basil said "there have been complaints and issues raised by mobile phone users relating to fees charged when telephone calls are not answered or are delayed.

He said "the mobile phone users must be given the option to allow the call to terminate after ringing for the time allowed or to be given an option to connect to Voice Mail to leave message. 

In the urban centres especially NCD and Lae, there is competition between mobile phone companies but in other centres and rural areas, there is total monopoly due to absence of competition. In essence, the phone users do not have a choice and are subject to fees and charges that a mobile phone company operates within.

Therefore, it is apparent that ICCC should investigate the various issues raised here and ensure that our consumers are given a choice and that any charges must be with their concurrence".