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SCMP Reporter

STEAMY sex lines will soon be silenced on Hong Kong's phones unless subscribers request access to them, under proposals put forward by the telecoms watchdog.

  But there will be a three-month cooling down period, during which all Hongkong Telecom's IDD customers will be asked which of the 173 infoline services they wish to keep.

  The 'opt-in' plans were aimed at silencing the numerous complaints made to groups such as the Consumer Council about IDD subscribers' automatic access to dating lines, adult services and children's stories, said director-general of the Office of the Telecommunications Authority Alex Arena.

  The maximum charge for these services is $12 a minute.

  'Most people don't realise they get these services when they get IDD, until they get this huge bill because their children, or household members, have been calling,' he said.

  From today, new phone customers will be asked whether they want no infoline services, general services only, such as dial-the-weather and racing tips, or all.

  Current IDD holders will receive a questionnaire with their bill. If customers do not answer, they will be left with the general infolines but deprived of the more controversial lines as of July 1.

  Access can then be granted on request if customers change their minds.

   Mr Arena said the watchdog had discussed the options with HK Telecom, its own Users and Consumers' Advisory Committee and information providers - those who provide the tapes.

  HK Telecom's deputy chief executive Peter Howell-Davies said the move followed feedback from customers who 'have told us they prefer to have more choices on what type of services they want'.

  Mr Arena admitted that some service providers had been worried about loss of business.

  'There was a concern that the simple services would get caught up very badly in any change,' which he hoped had been allayed under the three options plan.

  'We get very very few complaints about the general infolines. Most of the complaints tend to be about the dating services.' 



Last call for sex phone line