Worrying call for mobile addicts (電話迷)

Smartphone users in Hong Kong could soon stop enjoying unlimited internet access (note 1) as massive traffic slows networks, compelling operators to phase out the practice.

 

Most 3G (third generation) mobile service providers in the territory offer unlimted internet access during the first year of contract for flat fees (一律收費) averaging HK$200 a month, which includes voice calls.

 

Excluding voice calls, some contracts-offering unlimited net access-cost less than HK$100 a month, encouraging thousands to stay online (note 2), who otherwise would not if levied a charge (note 3) in line with practices overseas, say experts.

 

Therefore, the Office of the Telecommunications Authority is now considering issuing rules on fair usage of mobile data.

 

An OFTA spokesman told Sing Tao Daily, sister paper of The Standard, it has reviewed all the views provided by telecom service providers and the Consumer Council and is in the final stage of (note 4) preparing new regulations.

 

“It will be the commercial decision of the telecom service providers on whether to continue providing the unlimited data usage plan should we launch a regulation on fair usage”, the spokesman said.

 

The operators and the authority have already held several meetings on the issue. Both sides believe users should no longer enjoy (note 5) unlimited internet access, a senior executive at a top mobile operator said.

 

“Since telecom operators have limited data bandwidth(線路), we cannot broaden it to meet the soaring demand. Lifting the cost incurred by subscribers is the only means (辦法) to limit the usage”, the executive said.

 

Operators (電訊商戶) also believe “proper” users are subsidizing the abusers (濫用者) – such as those who use their smartphones to download an entire movie or other large-size data elements. Thus, a regulation on fair usage in necessary.

 

(note 1) unlimited internet access=無限量上網。access=捷徑,門路,入口。gain access to=接近,會見,謁見。Within easy access of Kowloon Tong=容易去到九龍塘的地方。

(note 2) stay online=留在網路上。

(note 3) levied a charge=另外收費。levy=徵收,索取,徵稅,抽款。Levy a fine on Victor=向Victor徵收罰金。charge=命令,促,諭示,指示。charge Bo Bo with theft=以竊盜罪控告Bo Bo。Take charge=掌管。

(note 4) in the final stages of=最後階段。stage=階段,時期,程度,步驟,籌辦,舉行,發起。in the early stage=在初期。The disease H2N4 now occupies the center of medical stage=這種H2N4病是在醫學界的注意中心。quit the stage=退出舞臺,辭職。Victor stages a comeback=Victor捲土重來。Teachers of the Hong Kong Arts College are going to stage an exhibition=香港藝術學院的教師們在籌劃著要舉辦一個展覽。

(note 5) should no longer enjoy=不再享有。no longer=不再 (not any more)