Internet service provider HKNet has launched call-back international direct dialling (IDD) and calling card services, offering long distance rates lower than New T&T and Hongkong Telecom's 0060 service.
HKNet is reselling the services of partner Telegroup, the biggest call-back firm in the US. Telegroup, which is licensed by the Office of the Telecommunications Authority to offer calling card services, is the sister company of Hong Kong-based call-back operator NeTel.
HKNet charges $2.71 per minute for calls to the US and Canada while New T&T and Hongkong Telecom 0060 charge $2.98. HKNet's per minute rate to Britain is $4.57, while that to Australia or Singapore is $4.26. New T&T rates for those countries are $5.13, $4.66 and $4.37.
But a price war may be looming as New World recently slashed its rates to $1.89 for the US and Canada, $3.79 to Britain, and $3.79 to Australia.
HKNet general manager Charles Mok said its rates also applied to roaming fees. A person travelling in Australia, for example, could make a call to the US at HKNet's SAR-to-US rate of $2.71.
HKNet's telephone coverage via Telnet's US call-back base and 48 installed switches worldwide spanned 50 countries, he said.