Starting August 20, new rules for mobile operators come into force in Kazakhstan. They will now be required to warn subscribers about tariff increases at least two months in advance, according to infohub.kz.
According to the TV channel, the changes will affect several aspects. In particular, operators will have to send SMS notifications about price hikes and also post information about changes in service costs on their websites in advance. This will give subscribers time to decide whether to stay with their current operator or look for better deals.
Additionally, mobile operators will be obliged to provide round-the-clock free access to socially and governmentally significant mobile applications. As explained by Ainur Bissenbayeva, head of the communications policy department at the Committee of Telecommunications of the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovations and Aerospace Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan, a by-law is currently being developed to determine the list of such applications. Preliminary, it will include eGov, eGov Business, eOtinish, and the Aitu app.
Experts believe that early notification of tariff increases is a necessary measure. However, the quality of communication often raises questions, so it is important to develop competition, which would allow tariffs to be raised less frequently. "New players will intensify competition, improve quality, and reduce costs. On the other hand, there is a fear of modern technologies, such as 5G, a phobia in that regard, so the state can act as a structure that explains that technologies do not pose a threat," noted expert Kalilallo Baitasov.
Starting August 20, smartphone checks will also be tightened: sellers are required to verify devices before selling them. A contract with an operator can only be concluded after biometric authentication of the subscriber.