More GSM phones disconnected in Lashio

The GSM (Global Service for Mobile Communication) phones, which were in use in public phone booths in Lashio, were disconnected following a review of the profile of over 400 GSM phone users across Burma. Those with usage exceeding Kyat 100,000 (approximately US $ 80) were disconnected.

Due to chronic problems in normal telephone lines, Public Call Office (PCO) operators in Lashio town had hired GSM telephones at the rate of approximately Kyat 60,000 (around US $ 50) for their business, according to a local PCO operator.

"As we operate PCO's, the phones are used by many people and the bill naturally goes up. The authorities said the GSM lines have been cut-off because it is used for commercial purposes. But I feel that it is not their concern, whether we use them for commercial activity or not, as long as we can clear the bill," a local PCO operator told Mizzima.

Earlier though most of the PCO operators used normal telephone lines but due to difficulties and for smoother communication many switched to GSM as an alternative.

"With line phones, it is very difficult to call even within the country. So, PCO operators had to hire GSM phones from others and use them in their booths," said another operator.

Following the disconnection of GSM phones owners of the mobile phones have demanded that the call operators pay Kyat 3,000,000 (around US $ 2307) for their lost connection, a local resident said.

Moreover, with constant tapping of telephone lines by the authorities, communication with people overseas has become extremely difficult, the local added.

"Now even to make a simple overseas call, we have to give reasons as to why we are calling the operators and the rates are extremely high. A one minute call to China costs Kyat 5,000 (around US $ 3.84). Previously we had to pay only Kyat 300 kyat (around US $ 0.23). It increased to Kyat 700 (around US $ 0.53) and finally Kyat 5, 000," the local added.

Burma's Telecommunication Department, under the Ministry of Communication, Post & Telegraph, on July 13 released a notice to inform the department if incoming overseas calls showed the number of local telephones. Following the announcement, the authorities disconnected over 400 GSM phones after reviewing the profiles.

The authorities notified the GSM phone owners that their connections were being temporarily cut-off to review profiles of those whose bill exceeded over Kyat 100,000 (around US $ 80).

While some GSM users have provided valid explanations and reasons for exceeding Kyat 100,000 worth of calls during the previous month, as in accordance with the authority's demand, none of the connections have been revived. Moreover, it has resulted in further disconnection of GSM lines in Lashio town.

Burmese authorities last month banned an internet telephony, MediaRing Talk, which enables free calls to certain specified countries with the use of internet connections.