The Consumer Council of Fiji is actively pushing for a comprehensive review of the pricing strategies employed by the country’s two main mobile network operators, focusing specifically on recent modifications to prepaid data plans. The Council has pointed out notable increases in prices coupled with reductions in service offerings, leading to widespread consumer dissatisfaction.
Previously available plans have undergone significant changes: a $15 prepaid plan that lasted 15 days is now priced at $16 but only valid for 14 days. Similarly, the weekly $8 plan now costs $9 for just 5 days instead of the original week. The once-popular $25 plan, which provided a full 30 days of service, has been replaced with a new $35 option that maintains the 30-day validity but at a much higher cost.
In addition, the Consumer Council noted alarming changes such as one provider phasing out data rollover on several plans. This change means that users who do not utilize their full data allocation will see their unused balance expire instead of rolling over to the next period, adding more frustration to an already complicated value proposition.
“Network providers have altered their data plans frequently, and every change typically results in consumers getting less service for more money,” expressed Seema Shandil, CEO of the Consumer Council of Fiji. She emphasized the rising feeling of helplessness among consumers as they navigate these confusing changes. The Council plans to submit a formal request to the Telecommunications Authority of Fiji and the Ministry of Trade Cooperatives MSME’s and Communications, advocating for investigations into whether these adjustments comply with fair trading principles.
Market experts believe that increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies like the Telecommunications Authority and the Consumer Council could encourage the mobile operators to reconsider their pricing strategies, potentially leading to more consumer-friendly options. The Council’s ongoing efforts reflect a broader shift towards protecting consumer interests and ensuring fair competition in the telecommunications sector.
Overall, these developments emphasize the importance of fair pricing in essential services, particularly for mobile data plans in Fiji, which are critical for day-to-day communication and access to information. As the Council continues to push for enhanced consumer protections, there is hope that positive changes may foster a more equitable market environment, benefitting consumers across the nation.
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