SmarTone to discontinue unlimited data plans (Hong Kong)

Mobile operator SmarTone will be ending its unlimited data plans from 13 February 2012, and will be replacing them with ‘User pays’ plans. As per the telecommunications authority OFTA’s guidelines concerning the regulation of operators’ network control management and Fair Usage Policy (FUP), any unlimited usage plan shall not be subject to any limitation in the name of FUP.

Further, SmarTone considers traffic control management and FUP are indispensable to safeguard stable network operations and quality for all. Thus, in effect, unlimited usage plans can no longer be offered. According to company reports, the operator has said that cost will eventually increase with ever increasing usage.

The user pays principle is fair to all customers and charges a consumer based on their usage level. Data allowance for previously unlimited usage plans has been set at 2GB per month. However, customers can top up on an ‘Advise & Consent’ basis for occasional higher usage – ensuring customer control and no bill shock.