Chinese mobile carriers often charge users 8 US cents a minute as a cross-province roaming fee even when the same carrier is involved all the way through. Most travelers and experts say is too expensive and totally inappropriate.
Now a conference is running in Beijing and it is likely that an upper limit for roaming will be set after the conference. This according to the information ministry on its website, which suggests it will happen although it does not provide details.
Industry insiders said the extra charge will be between one and two cents a minute which is much better but still not easy to justify.
Sandy Shen, a telecommunications analyst at Gartner said, "The roaming fees should be abolished as roaming involves hardly any costs to the carriers except for the fee calculation process for the carriers’ provincial branches."
Note that China is the only country in the world to charge users roaming fees in one network over different provinces.
Kan Kaili, a professor at Beijing University of Post and Telecommunications said it is unjustifiable that users are charged this high rate as the cost for roaming is similar to e-mail.
China.com reported that the ministry conducted an online survey last May asking people their thoughts on roaming charges. Respondents said the roaming fee could be higher, but not much higher, than a local call.
China.com reported that the ministry conducted an online survey last May asking people their thoughts on roaming charges. Respondents said the roaming fee could be higher, but not much higher, than a local call.