Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the hidden traps in mobile service plans offered by telecom operators, emphasizing the disparity in treatment between new and existing customers, and the complexity of contract terms that often lead to consumer dissatisfaction [3][20][22] Group 1: Issues with Mobile Plans - Consumers are increasingly cautious about mobile plans due to hidden costs and complex terms, leading to a tedious selection process [1][3] - The article criticizes telecom operators for practices such as "easy upgrades but difficult downgrades," "differential treatment for new and old users," and "contract bundling" [3][20] - Operators often promote attractive features like extensive free calling minutes or large data allowances, but these benefits are typically limited to the first year, with subsequent costs potentially increasing significantly [4][6] Group 2: Consumer Experience - Existing customers are often treated as stable revenue sources, while new users are targeted with enticing offers, creating a perception that older customers can bear higher costs [6][13] - Many consumers report difficulties when attempting to downgrade their plans, facing obstacles such as unavailability of options online or being redirected to customer service without resolution [9][12] - The emergence of "fee reduction" services on e-commerce platforms indicates widespread frustration among consumers, who seek assistance in navigating the complexities of telecom offerings [12] Group 3: Industry Dynamics - The mobile communication market in China has shifted from a growth phase to a saturation phase, with net user growth stagnating, prompting operators to focus on increasing average monthly revenue per user [13][20] - Despite ongoing government policies promoting lower prices and better services, operators continue to rely on complex pricing strategies to maintain revenue, which may not be sustainable in the long term [20][22] - The article suggests that as consumer awareness of billing practices increases, there may be a trend towards switching operators, especially with new policies facilitating easier number portability [20][22]

想要升级套餐时，运营商会通过电话、短信主动推销，线上一键即可办理；但当用户想要降低套餐档次时，APP里找不到入口，客服推诿说"线上系统升级""需要 专员回电"，甚至要求你必须去线下营业厅办理，待用户到了营业厅，营业员又会以"权限在上级部门，先申请"或者"需要回号码归属地办理"为由搪塞。很多用户 因为嫌麻烦，最后只能放弃。 如果问你生活中"只会升不会降"的是什么，答案除了年龄，还有手机套餐资费。尽管"提速降费"推行多年，但在实际生活中，大家想办理称心如意的套餐依然困 难重重。 今日，《人民日报》发文点名批评了运营商，直指手机套餐中存在的"升易降难""小字坑人"等乱象。 对于办理过降级套餐的用户来说，"升级一键搞定，降级跑断腿"是最直观的槽点。 "老不如新"也是很多用户的直观感受。一般情况下，运营商推出极具性价比的"大流量低价套餐"往往只针对新用户。老用户如果想办，要么被告知"不符合条 件"，要么被建议"重新办一张卡"。 《人民日报》的文章就特别指出，老用户办套餐易，换套餐难，特别是老用户想要从费用高的套餐降低到便宜的套餐上。 与过去"强硬拒绝"不同，如今运营商的办法更显精明，用"新老用户有别"等软钉子，将老用户 ...

Core Insights - The article discusses the significant advancements in China's telecommunications industry, particularly the implementation of policies aimed at reducing costs and increasing internet speeds for users [1][2][3]. Group 1: Policy Implementation - As of July 1, 2023, the three major telecom operators in China have eliminated domestic mobile data "roaming" fees, allowing users to enjoy nationwide data without additional charges [2][3]. - The average mobile data tariff has decreased by 46.2% compared to the end of 2017, reflecting the government's push for lower costs in the telecommunications sector [1][2]. - By the end of June 2023, 53.4% of users had internet speeds of 100 Mbps or higher, an increase of 13.5 percentage points since the beginning of the year [1]. Group 2: User Experience and Feedback - The effectiveness of the cost reduction measures will ultimately be assessed through user bills, which will provide a direct indication of the benefits experienced by consumers [3]. - The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) is closely monitoring user feedback to ensure that the implementation of the new policies meets consumer expectations and addresses any complaints [3]. Group 3: Future Developments - The cancellation of "roaming" fees and other cost-reduction measures are seen as preparatory steps for the upcoming 5G era, which is expected to significantly enhance network speeds and capacity [5]. - The commercial rollout of 5G is anticipated to begin in mid-2019, with expectations of increased data usage and the continuation of data speed limits due to finite network resources [5].