Thursday, October 09, 2014

The Negative Call Value

Bhutan's telecommunication services have long stood as paramount service providers within the realm of telecommunications within the nation. Despite a multitude of advantages and disadvantages, the advent of TashiCell has partially quenched the previously unattainable desires of the populace. Personally, I have been a loyal user of B-Mobile services since the inception of mobile communication in Bhutan.

Throughout various significant national festivities, Bhutan Telecom has extended numerous offers and bonuses, a notable example being the "Happy Hours Weekends" occurring every Friday. The presence of such a well-established corporate entity has been a fortunate asset for every Bhutanese citizen. As modernization sweeps through Bhutan, the telecommunications sector has emerged as a pivotal force, connecting individuals across the expanse of the nation. In this context, communication has become an indispensable tool in the arsenal of Bhutan, a budding young democracy, as it strives to fulfill its mandates.

On a contrasting note, from an economic standpoint, the government elected to impose a tax on B-Mobile users starting October 1st, 2014. This tax, amounting to Nu. 5/- for every hundred units recharged, mirrors the taxation associated with vehicle purchases, fuel consumption, and indeed most aspects of daily life. Presently, existing within the current era, the notion of evading taxes has become an impracticality. Thus, such circumstances now pervade the landscape of this youthful democracy.

My intention, however, lies in focusing on the legacy of B-Mobile services within Bhutan. Thus far, these services have seamlessly woven themselves into the tapestry of Bhutanese existence. The introduction of a competitive force in TashiCell prompted B-Mobile to offer a unique proposition involving negative fifteen call value, which would later be adjusted upon recharging. While this presented an advantageous and gratifying arrangement, it has regrettably faded into obscurity since October 1st, 2014.

An inquiry naturally arises – did Bhutan Telecom duly notify its esteemed clientele regarding the cessation of this service? Historically, we, as clients, have received messages pertaining to network maintenance, disruptions, and special bonuses through SMS. However, I, as a patron, have not received any correspondence or clarifications regarding the discontinuation of the negative call value up to 15. I earnestly implore the relevant agency or authority to elucidate the factual details for public consumption.

Ultimately, in a nation as young as ours in the realm of democracy, it is crucial to recognize that each individual, as a citizen and offspring of this land, retains the rights to both free speech and access to information.

 
Template Design modified by Ugyen Dorji Teacher | |