Phone Charge To Be Increased

Local phone rates will increase in the near future.
The current fee, 45 won per 3 minutes may be up to 55 won plus an increase of 1000 won on the basic charge.
Public phones will also surge from 50 to 70 won per 3 minutes.
The government and Korea Telecommunications department on April 2 announced, 'The city phone has been in the red for long time and we need more than 6.5 billion dollars by 2002 for installing high technology information highway lines.'
The two sides held a conference of 'Future Inclined Telephone Fee Reform' at the Press Center and suggested the raise.
However, it will decide the final decision after going through various hearings.
A source from the Ministry of Information and Communications asserted, 'Although the Ministry of Finance and Economy agreed upon the raise, it is demanding to lower the rate a little bit.'
Korean phone fees are about 30 percent cheaper than most major countries.
Civil groups are not happy, claiming the government is trying to pass it's inefficiency and financial mismanagement on to the backs of the subscriber.
Hwashik Bong : trojans@joongang.co.kr