Cell phone fees questioned

The information comes from a survey of phone users aged 16 to 22 released yesterday by the Khon Kaen Consumer Protection Centre and Khon Kaen & Maha Sarakham Consumer Association.

Complaints of stores overcharging for prepaid phone cards and of expiry dates on calling allowances were numerous, said the centre's manager Patiwat Chalermchart.

Despite a legal ban, the expiry dates are still enforced.

"The survey has also found that many are unhappy about SMS/MMS sent by cellphone operators because they often advertise services that have hidden charges," said Patiwat.

Phone tower risky?

The presence of cell-phone-signal towers in their neighbourhoods was another worry. "Locals feel their health is at risk," Patiwat said.

Preecha Mahaweerawat, a Sakhon Nakhon resident, said he had developed headaches and insomnia since a tower was erected near his house about a year ago. About 200 people in his neighbourhood had suffered in some way, he said.