The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology recently issued the Notice on Improving the Quality of 5G Service (hereinafter referred to as the “), which clearly reminds users to replace 5G terminals when using 5G networks, and must not unilaterally exaggerate 5G advantages or preferential items, and must not mislead or force users to apply for or upgrade 5G packages. It is not allowed to open 5G packages, upgrade packages and other services without the user’s consent, so as to effectively protect the rights of users and promote the sustainable and healthy development of 5G.
Focusing on fully guaranteeing users’ right to know, the Notice requires four reminder mechanisms to be improved, including reminding users to inquire about 5G network coverage in the region through physical business halls, customer service hotlines, online business halls, and mobile apps. Those that have not yet been covered by 5G networks regions develop 5G users and remind users in advance to know the progress of 5G network coverage in the region to remind users to replace 5G terminals when using 5G networks. Non-5G terminals can only enjoy 5G tariff discounts when applying for 5G packages and cannot use 5G networks. When the user handles the publicized off-shelf package change to a 5G package, the user is reminded that after changing the 5G package, they will no longer be able to choose the original package and can choose other packages on sale. Before the user handles the 5G package with contract requirements, remind the user to terminate the contract if they want to cancel the contract for the “number porting” service, change the package or cancel the contract termination responsibility.
In order to effectively safeguard the rights and interests of users, the Notice requires strict adherence to marketing red lines, including objective and true promotion of 5G services and tariffs, publicizing the full amount of packages on sale, and not unilaterally exaggerating 5G advantages or preferential items, concealing or downplaying restrictive conditions. We should respect the real wishes of users, do not mislead or force users to apply for or upgrade 5G packages, and do not open 5G packages, upgrade packages and other services without the user’s consent.
