Decision No. 47/2003/QD-BBCVT stipulates international telephone service rates on the PSTN network for outgoing international calls from fixed-line and mobile phones. The rates are divided into three zones with different prices.
Scope of application
International telephone service providers; international telephone service users (both fixed-line and mobile subscribers).
Key points
- are subject to be charged according to zone: Zone 1, Zone 2, Zone 3 with different rates.
- Rates for international calls through operator-assisted service → are calculated based on the first three minutes and subsequent minutes of conversation.
- Rates for each zone: Zone 1 - 0.9 USD/minute; Zone 2 - 1.0 USD/minute; Zone 3 - 1.1 USD/minute.
- Service providers have the right to adjust rates and apply discounts in certain cases.
- Public communication points may charge additional service fees for international calls.
🌐 Social impact of this document
- Positive impact: Customers save costs when making international calls through service providers.
- Negative impact: Service providers have the right to adjust rates, causing difficulties in comparing prices among providers.
- Mobile service providers and customers using services at public points must bear additional costs.
❓ Frequently asked questions
How are international telephone rates calculated?
International telephone rates are calculated based on zones, with different rates for each zone: Zone 1 - 0.9 USD/minute; Zone 2 - 1.0 USD/minute; Zone 3 - 1.1 USD/minute.
How can service providers adjust rates?
Providers are permitted to reclassify countries into lower-rate zones and reduce call charges in certain cases, but the reduction cannot exceed 20%.
How are international calls through operator-assisted service charged?
Charges are calculated based on the first three minutes and subsequent minutes of conversation, with rates similar to direct calls.
Are VAT included in the rates?
No, this decision does not include VAT. VAT will be added to the specified rates.
Can additional service fees be charged at public points?
Yes, providers have the right to charge additional service fees when customers use international telephone services at public points such as post offices.
Full text
Pursuant to …;
Issuing international telephone service rates (PSTN network)
_____________________________
THE MINISTER OF POST AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Pursuant to Decree No. 90/2002/NĐ-CP dated November 11, 2002 of the Government on the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications;
Pursuant to Decision No. 99/1998/QĐ-TTg dated May 26, 1998 of the Prime Minister on management and postal and telecommunications rates;
Pursuant to Circular No. 03/1999/TT-TCBĐ dated May 11, 1999 of the General Post Office guiding the implementation of Decree No. 109/1997/NĐ-CP dated November 12, 1997 of the Government on Postal Services and Telecommunications and Decision No. 99/1998/QĐ-TTg dated May 26, 1998 of the Prime Minister on price and postal and telecommunications rate management;
At the proposal of the Director of the Department of Planning and Finance.
DECISION:
Article 1. International direct dialing (IDD) telephone service rates to countries and territories are stipulated as follows:
1. Divided into three rate zones:
- Zone 1: Includes ASEAN countries, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, South Korea, Japan.
- Zone 2: Includes the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, European countries, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Cuba, India.
- Zone 3: Includes all other countries and territories.
2. Rate levels for each zone:
Zone 1: 0.9 USD/minute (0.09 USD/block of 6 seconds)
Zone 2: 1.0 USD/minute (0.10 USD/block of 6 seconds)
Zone 3: 1.1 USD/minute (0.11 USD/block of 6 seconds)
3. Rates are calculated based on the first minute and blocks of 6 seconds for subsequent call time. A call lasting less than 1 minute is charged for 1 minute. The remaining portion of the last call time that is less than 6 seconds is rounded up to 1 block of 6 seconds.
Article 2. For international calls made through operators (registered via the international switchboard)
1. Rates are calculated based on the first 3 minutes and subsequent minutes. A call lasting less than 3 minutes is charged for 3 minutes. The remaining portion of the last call time that is less than 1 minute is rounded up to 1 minute.
2. The rate level for 1 minute of call is specified in Clause 1 and 2 of Article 1 of this Decision.
Article 3. The rates specified in Article 1 and Article 2 apply to all international calls from public telephone networks (at subscriber premises, at public points: post offices, agents, postal and cultural village centers, payphone stations).
Article 4. International calls from mobile phone subscribers are charged at mobile information intra-zone rates plus international telephone rates as specified in Article 1 and Article 2.
Article 5. International communication rates for fax and data transmission subscribers within standard voice channels (data transmission over telephone lines) are applied according to the rates specified in Article 1 for international telephone communications.
Article 6. Enterprises providing international telephone services are stipulated:
1. Based on the zoning and rate levels for each zone specified in Article 1 and Article 2, enterprises issue specific rate tables for connections to each country.
2. During implementation, enterprises have the right to move countries to lower-rate zones and report to the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications.
3. Reductions in telephone call rates during holidays, Sundays, and from 11 PM the previous day to 7 AM the following day from Monday to Saturday are determined by the enterprise but shall not exceed 20%.
4. Reductions in rates for large customers and special customers are determined by the enterprise but shall not exceed 20%.
5. For IDD international calls at public points, in addition to the rates specified in Article 1 and Article 2, enterprises providing services may charge additional service fees. The level of additional service fees is determined by the enterprise.
Article 7. The rates specified in this Decision do not include value-added tax. This Decision takes effect from April 1, 2003, and all previous regulations contrary to this Decision are abolished.
Article 8. The Head of the Office, Heads of the Planning and Finance Department, Heads of units under the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, General Directors, Directors of enterprises providing international telephone services, and Heads of related units are responsible for implementing this Decision.
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