AIS pushes new hybrid service

BANGKOK: -- Leading mobile-phone operator Advanced Info Service Plc (AIS) has introduced a new hybrid programme that allows its post-paid customers to use pre-paid cards.

Under the programme, called “New Gen”, the monthly fee varies from Bt500 to Bt800 or Bt1,500 for different period-calls and bonuses. Its main feature is that it allows users who have reached their credit limit to top up their call value by several means, including using pre-paid phone cards.

AIS president Yingluck Shinawatra said the aim was to give flexibility to clients so they could control their bills and would have more ways of topping up their call value.

AIS vice president for marketing Titipong Khiewpaisal said AIS did not classify the programme as post-paid or pre-paid, insisting it was designed to fit customer needs.

But an industry observer said the programme appeared to be aimed at encouraging existing post-paid customer to pay more of their bills through pre-paid cards. The plan stems from AIS’ desire to share less of its post-paid revenue with concession holder TOT Plc, he said. In October, AIS’ concession fee for the post-paid service will increase to 30 per cent, up from the present 25 per cent.

The fee-sharing for the pre-paid phone service, however, will remain the same at 20 per cent.

Titipong, however, rejected this, arguing that if AIS thought like that, it would be easier for it to focus solely on launching a heavy pre-paid promotion campaign and slow down the growth of its post-paid services. Currently AIS has around 2 million post-paid mobile phone customers and 13 million prepaid users.

--The Nation 2005-08-10

So....

This will encourage people to spend the money they had reserved for paying their bill on "top ups" when they reach their limit, and then not be able to pay the bill...

Surely the reason for the credit limits is to ensure people don't spend beyond their means.... offering top ups just defeats the object surely..?

totster