BEIJING, June 7 -- China's Ministry of Information Industry on Wednesday announced that as of July 1 the cap charge for retaining a mobile phone number while suspending services will be reduced from around 20 yuan to no more than five yuan.

    The Beijing Morning Post has reported the suggestion that similar ongoing services that occur during inactive periods should be free of charge. And that charges levied in different regions should be varied and adhered to according to strict guidelines.

    In Beijing, GoTone users with Beijing Mobile who want to keep their existing phone number but suspend services, currently pay 20 yuan a month. It¡¯s almost the same for CDMA subscribers with Beijing UNICOM.

    Additionally, the ministry is taking steps to reduce domestic mobile roaming charges and is advocating that incoming calls be free of charge. (1 U.S. dollar = 7.6 yuan)

    (Source: CRIENGLISH.com)