Cheaper for Mobile Phone CallFrom tomorrow, 80 per cent of China's mobile phone users will enjoy cheaper charges for long distance calls.That is because the mobile telecom firm who most users are with, China Mobile, has announced new prices. In keeping with fixed-line telecom operators, China Mobile has reduced the charging unit from one minute to six seconds. Domestic long distance calls will now cost 0.07 yuan (US$0.008) for every six seconds, instead of 0.50 yuan to 1 yuan (US$0.06-0.12) per minute. Long distance calls to Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan will be 0.20 yuan (US$0.024) for every six seconds, from the present 2.25 yuan to 5 yuan (US$0.27-0.60) per minute. Charges for international long distance calls will be 0.80 yuan (US$0.097) for every six seconds, changing from between 5.4 yuan and 15 yuan (US$0.65-1.81) per minute according to the various destinations called. "All the extra charges that were added to international long distance calls will be eliminated," said a statement from China Mobile. Previously, China Mobile always charged 20 per cent extra for international long distance calls. Domestic long distance calls made between midnight and 7 am will enjoy a 60 per cent discount, that is, 0.04 yuan less (US$0.0048) for every six seconds. International calls to 15 countries made between midnight and 7 am will also be 40 per cent less. The countries are: the United States, Japan, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, France, Britain, Italy, Thailand, Malaysia, Germany, Canada, the Philippines, Indonesia and South Korea. China Mobile also said it would not charge any fees for long distance calls shorter than three seconds. Source: China Daily |
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