Mobile phone companies cheating?

When it comes to cheating and fleecing consumers it is done best by our Pakistani brothers. When you go out buying something, you are never sure you are getting for what you are paying. In the case of mobile phone companies, they always lure the customers through lucrative ads and lower call rates, while hiding the actual charges in the fine print.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority in its latest consumers alert bulletin has explained what mobile phone subscribers will actually be charged, instead of what they see in advertisements.

It is shameful, the way businesses in Pakistan brazenly cheat to make bucks. Will someone stop this rot?

The general public / users of Telecom Services are advised to note the following:

Federal Excise Duty (FED) on Telecom Services

FED on telecommunication services will enhance from 15% to 21% w.e.f. July 1, 2008. Withholding Tax (WHT) will continue to be charged @ 10% in addition to FED. Total Compounded Tax on telecommunication services will be 33.1%.

Withholding Tax on Telephone Bills

With effect from 1^st July 2008, 10% withholding tax (WHT) shall be charged on monthly telephone bills exceeding Rs. 1000.

Telenor Talkshawk A-1 Package

For on-net calls, Telenor is charging Rs.1.40 for the first minute and Rs. 1.00 for second minute onwards. For off-net calls, Telenor is charging Rs.1.80 for the first minute and Rs. 1.00 for second minute onwards. These charges are exclusive of GST.

Mobilink Jazz One Package

For on-net calls, Mobilink is charging Rs.1.40 for the first minute and Rs. 1.00 for second minute onwards. For off-net calls, Mobilink is charging Rs.2.00 for the first minute and Rs. 1.60 for second minute onwards. These charges are exclusive of GST.

 

 

PTCL Internet Dialup Charges

It is clarified that PTCL is not charging internet dialup calls after every fifteen (15) minutes. For internet dialup calls, PTCL continues to charge Rs.2.01 (excluding 15% GST) for calls connecting to internet without any time limit.

PTCL Pakistan Plus Package

PTCL is charging Rs. 199 per month (excluding 15% GST) in addition to normal line-rent and offering 2500 free NWD minutes. For de-activation of “Pakistan Package”, dial 12401240