VIENTIANE: The Ministry of Technology and Communications says a newly implemented telecommunication fee will be used to strengthen digital infrastructure and improve cybersecurity in Laos.
The clarification comes amid growing public concern over the monthly deduction of 3,000 kip from mobile phone users’ accounts and 5,000 kip from internet users, introduced earlier this year.
Many people have questioned the purpose and effectiveness of the fee, especially as scam calls and telecom fraud continue to persist.
Acting Head of the ministry’s Secretariat of the Telecommunications Development and Digital Transformation Fund, Parinya Phommaviseth, told Lao National Radio on June 19 that the fee is essential for enhancing safety in digital communications.
He explained that the deductions apply to all mobile numbers starting with 020 and 030, and to FTTx internet customers. “The fee will be used to develop systems that ensure safer use of telecommunications and internet services,” he said.
Although fraudulent calls and scams remain an issue, he noted that such crimes are not unique to Laos and are a challenge worldwide.
“We are working closely with the Ministry of Public Security and the National Internet Centre to establish a cybersecurity transaction reporting centre, which will help monitor and prevent online fraud more effectively,” he said.
In addition, the ministry is cooperating with leasing and credit card companies in a bid to reduce the number of unsolicited calls to phone users.
Parinya also noted that Laos continues to offer affordable internet services. Citing 2023 data from Cable.co.uk, he said Laos ranks second in Asean and 14th globally for the lowest mobile internet rates, and 10th in Asean for FTTx services.
The telecommunication security fee will be added to the Telecommunications and Digital Transformation Development Fund, which was established to support Laos’ digital growth. The fund finances the expansion of telecoms infrastructure to rural areas, development of human resources, improved cybersecurity, and the development of a digital economy.
Funding sources include contributions from the state budget, telecom service providers, development partners, and a 1 percent fee from businesses operating in the telecommunications, postal, and digital sectors.
The Ministry of Technology and Communications issued a notice in April 2024 requiring telecom operators to deduct the security fee only once per user per month, to prevent overcharging.
Officials said the government is committed to ensuring the fee is used transparently and effectively to improve digital safety, reduce cybercrime, and support Laos’ transition towards a more secure digital future. - Vientiane Times/ANN
