Hike in internet pricing attributed to vandalism

By GYNNIE KERO
KUMUL Telikom has attributed a sudden increase in its 4G mobile internet pricing to high operating costs, including repairs to its properties damaged by vandalism and criminal activities.
A company spokesman was responding to public complaints about its decision to suddenly increase charges on its 4G phone.
The spokesperson said the cost of delivering reliable internet services in the country “continues to fluctuate due to factors such as the cost of fuel, logistics and tower equipment repairs from vandalism and criminal activity”.
The company still maintains however that its 4G mobile internet products were still the fastest and least expensive in the market.
It also told The National that as part of the ongoing merger programme with other State agencies, Kumul Telikom Holdings would have a product review “to promote greater value across its 2G and 3G internet plans that will benefit the mobile internet user”. It said the 2G and 3G internet packages were enjoyed by a “majority of customers nationwide”.
“The pricing of 2G and 3G products have seen recent price reductions by as much as 33 per cent.
“This approach is in line with the company’s push to provide affordable internet access across the country. Our 4G network is the newest and fastest growing network in the country.
“Our 4G network is the premium service which allows our customers to watch and download movies, listen to music, and to access more common internet resources.
“High-speed 4G mobile internet access is being enjoyed by an increasing number of people on a daily basis because of the continual investment in coverage and technology by KTH.” The spokesperson said KTH would always strive to “deliver the most affordable and most reliable products in the market – a genuine 100 per cent PNG-owned communications alternative, across the country”.