Canceling roaming charges responds to leadership's call

The three domestic telecom giants, China Mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom, have announced that, starting July 1, they will cancel their data roaming fees within the country, except for the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions and Taiwan. Beijing News comments:

Roaming fees refer to the higher charges users pay when they travel outside the province where they live. For long, that practice has aroused fierce criticism from the public.

This year marks a turning point because the Government Work Report, delivered by Premier Li Keqiang at the annual session of the National People's Congress, the nation's top legislature, said that the roaming fees should be canceled and the companies should reduce their mobile data charges by at least 30 percent. Echoing that call, the three telecom giants announced on Friday they would cancel the roaming fees starting on July 1. Reports say they have already finished adjustment of the rules and are working on tests as well as customer service training.

That deed means the three companies have echoed the central leadership's call and people's demands. It is a good example of positive interaction among the government, the enterprises, and users.

Media outlets estimate that every smartphone user will be able to save about 160 yuan ($24.5) annually on average after the cancellation of the roaming fee. Most of those who benefit are youngsters who love to travel and have a limited budget for that.

Therefore, the cancellation of the roaming fee is a welcome move. However, the three telecom giants could do more to improve their service.

For example, all three companies have data bundles that are very cheap, but these bundles are reserved for new customers only. Those who have been using their services cannot enjoy the cheap bundles.

Some existing customers have sued the three telecom companies and they got the cheap bundles via intermediation. If the three telecom companies realize they are wrong, they should open the cheap bundles to all, not only to those who take them to court.