15 May 2007
MUSCAT -- Higher monthly phone bills incurred by some fixed line subscribers are the result of improper Internet use, according to Omantel. A statement issued by the company said: "Omantel urges all subscribers to get acquainted with the right methods of navigating the various websites on the Internet in order to avoid incorrect surfing which may result in higher bills for fixed phone subscribers." Omantel allows its subscribers to navigate the Internet via three different ways: The first method covers those who have obtained a personal account number and username that enables the subscribers to receive monthly bills for their usage of the service, notably dial up, ADSL and the Wi-Fi service. Commercial subscribers have their own system of logging into the net.
The second method of accessing the Internet is via is the Al Ufuq prepaid service. Al Ufuq cards users will not receive any bills and are not required to subscribe to the service. The third method allows non-subscribers to dial 1312 to surf the net. Such users will receive monthly bills based on special rates. "Omantel has observed that there have been a number of complaints by subscribers who use 1312 complaining about their excess monthly bills because they include some international calls they did not make. The reason for such costs is that the rate prescribed by Omantel is different from the rates levied by other service providers who apply them when Internet users access certain sites, resulting in such international call rates," an official said.
"The company would like to advise its customers that the service has been provided to non-resident users or visitors or tourists who prefer to use this method for accessing the Internet. Lack of awareness of the proper use of this service can result in higher bills to the user." Omantel has also urged subscribers to activate the special password for international calls, which allows users to keep a tab on their calls and avoid those that will cost them a lot of money.
MUSCAT -- Higher monthly phone bills incurred by some fixed line subscribers are the result of improper Internet use, according to Omantel. A statement issued by the company said: "Omantel urges all subscribers to get acquainted with the right methods of navigating the various websites on the Internet in order to avoid incorrect surfing which may result in higher bills for fixed phone subscribers." Omantel allows its subscribers to navigate the Internet via three different ways: The first method covers those who have obtained a personal account number and username that enables the subscribers to receive monthly bills for their usage of the service, notably dial up, ADSL and the Wi-Fi service. Commercial subscribers have their own system of logging into the net.
The second method of accessing the Internet is via is the Al Ufuq prepaid service. Al Ufuq cards users will not receive any bills and are not required to subscribe to the service. The third method allows non-subscribers to dial 1312 to surf the net. Such users will receive monthly bills based on special rates. "Omantel has observed that there have been a number of complaints by subscribers who use 1312 complaining about their excess monthly bills because they include some international calls they did not make. The reason for such costs is that the rate prescribed by Omantel is different from the rates levied by other service providers who apply them when Internet users access certain sites, resulting in such international call rates," an official said.
"The company would like to advise its customers that the service has been provided to non-resident users or visitors or tourists who prefer to use this method for accessing the Internet. Lack of awareness of the proper use of this service can result in higher bills to the user." Omantel has also urged subscribers to activate the special password for international calls, which allows users to keep a tab on their calls and avoid those that will cost them a lot of money.
By Staff Reporter
© Oman Daily Observer 2007
