Ministry Asks Telecom Operators To Cut Charges, Increase Internet Speed

Source: Vientiane Times

Telecom operators plan to cut the charges for voice calls by 15 percent, as well as increase internet speeds, so that people can study online and work from home more easily during the Covid-19 outbreak.

The Ministry of Technology and Communications has instructed all telecommunication companies to reduce voice call charges from May 31 to June 30.

The ministry has asked operators to lower their rates by 15 percent across a range of services, including monthly phone bills, prepaid phone charges, and use of home phones and cordless home phones.

Companies have also been asked to send an SMS message to their customers advising them to learn the facts about the Covid-19 outbreak at https://www.covid19.gov.la

The ministry also instructed telecom operators to create special packages in relation to monthly phone use, prepaid phone charges and internet Sim cards, for which customers will pay just 3,000 kip for 2GB. This service will be available 24 hours a day from May 28 to June 30, Lao Youth Radio reported.

Operators must use a standard password 11130# to enable easy access by customers.

The ministry has also asked operators to increase the speed of mobile phone internet by 10 percent, while internet speeds within the country should also increase by 10 percent on all services. Internet speeds for overseas use should increase by 5 percent on all services.

Other sectors of government are also reducing charges for customers during the Covid outbreak, including the Ministry of Energy and Mines which in April responded to a proposal by Electricite Du Laos (EDL) to cut electricity rates for household use by 3 percent.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport has asked state water supply enterprises in the capital and provinces to also introduce measures aimed at easing customers’ financial burden.

These include reducing the charges for water consumption, postponing the payment of bills, and waiving valued-added tax for household and non-household consumers during the virus outbreak.

The total number of known cases in Laos now stands at 1,912, according to the latest figures reported by the Ministry of Health.