Users of PCCW's internet service, Netvigator, have voiced anger at an announced price increase of more than 30 per cent for people who pay on a monthly basis.
Users have received a letter informing them of the biggest increase in years - a monthly rate of HK$218, up from HK$150. The change applies to those who have not signed a long-term contract with PCCW but pay month by month.
The letter touts Netvigator's 98 per cent network coverage and awards it has won, then goes on to say: 'We regret that because there has been a substantial increase in our costs, price adjustments for some of our services have become necessary.'
Ian Watson, who lives on Lamma Island, used to pay HK$162 a month. He is angered at having to pay about 35 per cent more.
'I pay HK$218 for three megabits per second,' Watson said. 'Those in Taikoo Shing pay HK$266 and get 300Mbps.'
Data transfer rates are much slower in small establishments than high-rise buildings because few users share the costs of setting up the infrastructure.
Other users have posted their grievances online. One who lives in an old, stand-alone building in Kwun Tong wrote in a forum that he had no other service providers to choose from. Another wrote that he had submitted a complaint to the Consumer Council, saying that tens of thousands of people living in old blocks or remote areas have no choice but to stick with Netvigator.
