Hike in pro-XL airtime rate

JAKARTA (JP): Global System for Mobile (GSM) telecommunications cellular operator Excelcomindo announced on Tuesday an average 15 percent to 20 percent increase in the airtime rate for the pro-XL prepaid billing subscription service.

Excelcomindo's general manager for prepaid service A. Putranto said the rate would take effect on Sept. 1.

"Price adjustment is an alternative for operators to maintain their service quality," he said.

GSM operators are allowed to set their own airtime rates for the prepaid service. The airtime rate for regular post-paid service is set by the government.

Putranto said previous peak and off peak hours airtime rates would not exist under the new system because it would charge customers a flat rate.

Under the new rate, the rate per minute for calls to fixed line phones in Jakarta will be Rp 1,000 from the previous Rp 850 in peak hours and Rp 775 at regular hours. The charge per minute for calls to other cell phones will be Rp 1,800, from Rp 1,375 at peak time and Rp 1,225 at regular times. (cst)