HANDPHONE BILLS

HANDPHONE BILLS

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(Setting limits): **

3.

Mdm Ho Geok Choo asked the Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts whether he would consider more protection for consumers by directing telephone companies to allow consumers to set a limit on handphone bills for their children.

RAdm [NS] Lui Tuck Yew: Currently, the Infocomm Development Authority (IDA) requires all operators to clearly publish the prices, terms and conditions of their services, so that mobile users could make an informed choice on the service providers and the types of services to use. IDA also has in place the Premium Rate Services ("PRS") Code to promote responsible service provision by PRS providers and further safeguard the interest of consumers against misleading advertisements and wrongful charges for unsolicited services.

To address the concerns of minors subscribing to mobile services without their parents' consent, mobile operators have voluntarily set a minimum age limit of 16 or 18 years old for service subscription. In some cases, a guarantor may be required before operators approve a service subscription for youths. Mobile operators have also introduced bill caps for roaming and IDD services, as well as SMS alerts when users hit certain data usage thresholds.

We understand that parents may also subscribe for mobile services under their names but allow their children to use the services. We would suggest to parents to educate their children that services signed up through the mobile phone may incur additional charges, and adequately supervise their children's use of mobile services. Parents who wish to

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exert more control over the maximum mobile service charges incurred by their children may consider service options such as mobile pre-paid cards.

IDA is aware of the public's concerns on mobile subscriptions, and will continually review policies and look into measures to further protect the interest of consumers.

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