JEDDAH, 20 February 2005 — EasyNet is here. And it is working. As reported earlier, Saudi Telecom’s new service has teamed up with Internet service providers (ISPs) to offer a choice of providers with the billing done through the monthly phone bill.
Although EasyNet is likely to serve its intended purpose of increasing Internet use in the Kingdom, it also means changes for providers and potentially for householders who may see phone bills go through the roof.
Back in the old days (last week, that is), you had to buy an Internet subscription before you could web-surf your weekend away. You still can buy the cards now, but providers think their sales will plummet.
“The idea of free Internet service is nothing new, but it was delayed until the first day of the new Hijrah year 1426,” said Al-Tayyeb Al-Masri, sales supervisor at Cyberia Internet Co. in the Western Region. “We have already paid for the cards that are on the market now, and the new service will decrease the number of buyers. These cards will continue to be distributed until further notice.”
Cyberia can be accessed through EasyNet by calling 366-0300. It will have the same quality and speed of the old number. Users can still visit the website and take advantage of the promotion offered to its service users.
For heavy Internet users, it will eliminate the worry of running out of “gas” on the information superhighway.
“I think EasyNet is very convenient for Internet users, since it is available all the time as long as they have phone line,” said Mustafa Mahmoud, a university instructor. “If I needed to use the Internet, and the subscription was used up late at night, for example, I won’t have to delay my work until the next day.”
All in all, Mahmoud thinks it’s a good change all around.
“Using the Internet also will be cheaper than it was before,” Mahmoud said.
Others, however, contend that Saudi Telecom is the big winner and that Internet shopping may lead to some eye-popping phone bills for those who aren’t careful.
“The service itself may be good, but I think the No. 1 beneficiary is STC,” said Maha Abdullah. “Users of the Internet will find it easier to go online for longer hours without a limit to stop them, and this is all counted in the phone bill. They will be shocked when they see the big numbers in the bill.”
If that bill worries you, at least for a while you’ll be able to get the cards.
“The new system saves the price of making and distributing cards,” said a SaudiNet representative. “It also saves money for the customer because he or she no longer have to buy cards — only pay the phone bill. In the meantime, some people still will buy cards since the service does not cover all areas. The EasyNet number for SaudiNet is 366-0077.”
The Kingdom hopes all this will increase Saudis’ access to information and create a new channel of communication to be more fully developed in the years to come. Perhaps the best advice would be to enjoy EasyNet — just make sure you don’t get snared in the trap of overuse.
