Is it really affordable or is there a trap？ Is free broadband really a good deal？
Handling a mobile phone number can not only make phone calls and send text messages, but also bind broadband accounts and get free broadband — — This "mobile phone package+free broadband" model sounds practical and cost-effective, and is favored by many consumers. Mr. Liu, a Shanghai citizen, chose a similar communication package. He told the author that the primary reason for his choice was "feeling very cost-effective".
However, some users said that without their knowledge, the free broadband that was handled a year ago began to be charged quietly, but it was difficult to cancel it. Is the "free broadband" package really affordable or is there a "trap"? What problems should consumers pay attention to when choosing this kind of business?
"Package" is not for everyone.
Data show that at the end of 2018, the number of fixed Internet broadband access users in China reached 407.38 million, an increase of 58.84 million over the end of last year. Free broadband and preferential packages vigorously promoted by major operators are indispensable. Operators seize market share through free broadband, which makes giving free broadband to mobile phone packages increasingly become a mainstream communication package type. However, when different consumers choose this kind of package, the experience is very different.
Yan wang, who lives in Zhengzhou, Henan Province, has been using a mobile phone to bind broadband services for three years. "The free broadband given in the mobile phone package is no problem to use, and the mode of automatic monthly payment also provides convenience for users." Yan wang said that when he first moved into his new home, he packed a set meal with the recommendation of the salesman. "Do broadband alone for a month to 40 yuan; Tied together, the telephone bill and broadband add up to 68 yuan every month, and I feel that the price is still very affordable. "
However, Cui Le, a junior at Wuhan University, is not satisfied with the same "free broadband" business. Under the propaganda of the communication company, Cui Le and several roommates handled a set meal together. However, after a period of use, Cui Le found that the given broadband service was not suitable for campus use: the database purchased by the school could not be used, and the teaching platform could not be logged in. But at the beginning of the business, no one told them that such problems might occur. After several months of continuous deduction, Cui Le and several roommates felt "lost" and had to go to the business hall at the same time to unsubscribe from the business and cancel their mobile phone numbers.
Be careful of "default automatic renewal"
The author’s investigation found that consumers’ dissatisfaction with the "mobile phone package+free broadband" model is mainly reflected in the following aspects:
Free broadband is difficult to meet the needs of specific groups. Like Cui Le, many students in school have been troubled by the incompatibility between free broadband and campus network, which leads to the helplessness of going to the library to "surf the internet" when there is broadband in the dormitory.
Most free broadband packages are automatically renewed by default, which is unreasonable for users who don’t want to use broadband continuously. Netizen "john young" vomited on the social network that his phone bill somehow rose to the monthly 300 yuan. Only after inquiring did he know that the free broadband he had received had expired, but the service did not terminate, but he continued to deduct money.
For users who want to unsubscribe, change packages or "port number transfer", the process is relatively troublesome. Xiao Zhang, who studied at the Central Academy of Fine Arts, applied to the operator for changing the lower tariff package in early 2018, but it has not been changed successfully so far. "The salesman first said on the phone that he would help me change it and take effect the next month, but then I found that the previous package had been automatically renewed for one year. To cancel the contract, I can only go to the business hall where the number belongs. My mobile phone number is from my hometown in Henan. It is impossible to go back from Beijing just to change the package. "
"port number transfer" forced operators
Can consumers avoid the above troubles while enjoying the preferential treatment? During the interview, Xu Li, a staff member of China Unicom, suggested that consumers should fully understand the package and contract before buying. "In order to avoid unnecessary troubles, users must carefully read the terms of the package contract before or during the handling of such bundled packages, and ask for early termination, ‘ Port number transfer ’ , due fees, etc., and then make a choice based on your own situation. " Xu Li said.
In response to the problem of automatic fee deduction, Liu Chunyan, an associate professor at Tongji University Law School, pointed out that mobile phone operators and users signed service contracts. If the operator does not inform the user and changes from free to charge, it is a unilateral change of the contract, which is a violation of the contract and constitutes a breach of contract. Furthermore, taking the form of automatic deduction unilaterally also infringes on the property rights of users, which constitutes infringement.
The promotion of "port number transfer" is also forcing major operators to improve network quality and service level as soon as possible. On May 21st, at the policy briefing in the State Council, Chen Zhaoxiong, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, pointed out that users should be guaranteed to fully enjoy the rights and interests of "port number transfer" and ensure that "port number transfer" will be realized nationwide before November 30th this year, so as to truly "take the number in hand and leave when you say it".
Xu Li believes that "port number transfer" has brought great challenges to operators. "In the future, we will optimize the package and simplify the products from the user’s point of view." Yan wang said with emotion: "‘ Port number transfer ’ The times are coming, and operators should think more about how to make good products. Users should be informed of the package terms more transparently, instead of using ‘ Free broadband ’ Wait for the gimmick to tie the user. "