The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) has reviewed the charging method for mobile phone services and fixed-mobile interconnection regime in Singapore and has decided to retain the current Mobile Party Pays (MPP) charging method.
Singapore, 23 December 2002| For Immediate Release
The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) has reviewed the charging method for mobile phone services and fixed-mobile interconnection regime in Singapore and has decided to retain the current Mobile Party Pays (MPP) charging method. This means there will be no change to the retail charging method for mobile phone services.
This decision was arrived at after a careful study by IDA. The review took into consideration the views given during a public consultation exercise, and also a survey conducted to gauge how a change to Calling Party Pays (CPP) charging method would impact consumers' usage patterns of fixed and mobile services.
There are no compelling reasons at this point in time to change Singapore's mobile phone services charging method. Mr Leong Keng Thai, Deputy Chief Executive and Director-General (Telecoms) of the IDA explained, "The current MPP charging method serves Singapore's mobile market well. Singapore has a healthy and competitive telecom market, where consumers are already enjoying innovative mobile services and attractive pricing packages. Singapore has one of the highest mobile market penetration rates in the world, with more than 3 million mobile subscribers and 76% penetration rate 1.Shifting the cost from the receiving mobile party to the calling party, as envisaged under a move from MPP to CPP, is unlikely to increase these substantially. Nevertheless, IDA will continue to monitor the mobile phone services market and review the policy if necessary."
The decision to retain the MPP charging method will not affect mobile data services such as Short Message Services (SMS), which are already on the CPP charging method and is consistent with international practices. For consumers, this means that they only pay for data services that they have either initiated or requested through their mobile phones.
Details on IDA's decision paper can be found on the IDA website at www.imda.gov.sg under the section "Policy & Regulation" / "Papers".
ISSUED BY CORPORATE COMMUNICATION DIVISION
INFOCOMM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF SINGAPORE
Notes to Editor:
1Statistics taken as at end October 2002, obtained from IDA website under "Infocomm Facts & Figures" / "Statistics".
About Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore
The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) is a dynamic organisation with an integrated perspective to developing, promoting and regulating info-communications in Singapore. In the fast-changing and converging spheres of telecommunications, information and media technologies, IDA will be the catalyst for change and growth in Singapore's evolution into a vibrant global info-communications technology centre. For more information, visit www.imda.gov.sg
For media clarification, please contact:
Ms Jennifer Toh
Manager,Corporate Communication
IDA Singapore
Tel: 6211 0508
Fax: 6211 2227
Email: jennifer_toh@imda.gov.sg
Ms Dulcie Chan
Senior Manager, Corporate Communication
IDA Singapore
Tel: 6211 1999
Fax: 6211 2227
Email: dulcie_chan@imda.gov.sg
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