As a large state-owned enterprise of the Communist Party of China, complaints about China Mobile’s arbitrary charges are becoming increasingly common. Recently, a long-term customer of China Mobile revealed in a post that he discovered abnormal charges on his mobile number, only to find out that China Mobile had added unauthorized package upgrades without the customer’s consent, leading to long-term outstanding fees on the customer’s phone.
Below is a post published on Wednesday (October 2nd) by a Weibo user named “Yancheng Chen Deshi”:
“I have been a loyal customer of China Mobile for approximately twenty years with a number starting with 1396198. I have a certain emotional attachment to China Mobile, and there have been no unpleasant incidents between us. Today, using an online platform, I want to document the frustrating experience I personally encountered.
During the mask (pandemic) period in 2022, I forgot to renew the unused mobile number, which was automatically cancelled after exceeding a three-month suspension period. In a rush, I found the nearest Wuxi Binhu District Shuixiangyuan Business Hall.”
“I showed my health code, explained the situation, and the staff warmly welcomed us. Upon inquiry, I found out that although the number was cancelled, it had not been registered under anyone else’s name, allowing me to reapply for the number. I was pleasantly surprised and explained to the staff that the number was hardly used, with no activity on apps like WeChat, Weibo, TikTok, or Kuaishou, and I only intended to keep it. Eventually, following the staff’s recommendation, I applied for a minimum monthly consumption plan of 38 yuan with no additional charges.”
“This year, I have been feeling that the charges from China Mobile are abnormal. Even after recharging a hundred yuan, I still end up owing fees, and the same goes for a fifty yuan recharge. Helpless, on September 25th, I called 10086, only to discover that China Mobile, the seemingly trustworthy entity, was doing such things in broad daylight.”
“The 10086 staff with employee number OP2287683 responded as follows: The consumption status of the number starting with 1396198 was that the 38 yuan minimum consumption plan I activated in 2022 had been upgraded to a monthly minimum of 50 yuan in August 2023, and an additional voice expansion package ‘B’ was added at 48 yuan per month. I unequivocally denied this, who would believe that a number hardly used, with minimal monthly charges for call and data, would require an expansion?”
“I am extremely dissatisfied with the response from the 10086 staff for the following reasons:”
“1. Suspected of covering up and protecting colleagues. They have means to contact China Mobile employees who make unauthorized changes to plans and users, but they refuse to disclose whether the ‘Yancheng Nan’ Business Hall is in Wuxi or Yancheng. 2. Irrelevant answers. When asked about my identity, they dodge the question and beat around the bush. 3. Deceiving users to cancel additional plans at the Wuxi Binhu District Shuixiangyuan Business Hall.”
“At the same time, I want to commend the beautiful female staff at the Wuxi Binhu District Shuixiangyuan Business Hall. They handled the situation adeptly, unlike me, a practitioner of authentic Yang-style Tai Chi who feels inadequate in comparison.”
“They mentioned that they couldn’t verify the business conducted by users during the 2022 epidemic period due to the extended duration. They also clarified that the plan change was processed in Yancheng, and while they might have handled this number retention service, the responsibility lies with China Mobile, and they have neither fault nor the authority to cancel the plan, which 10086 can explain. Upon returning home, I meticulously checked my limited call records on the phone and found no evidence of the two calls the beautiful staff member at the Wuxi Binhu District Shuixiangyuan Business Hall mentioned.”
“Online searches reveal numerous complaints about China Mobile’s arbitrary charges. Upon closer inspection, the fact that China Mobile is both a state-owned enterprise (SOE) and a central enterprise (CCP-owned) ranking high on the Fortune Global 500 list genuinely surprised me, a farmer. I would like to apologize to China Mobile. I should not have resorted to calling you ‘bandits’ or accusing you of ‘robbing’ when seeking a resolution for this matter, nor should I have belittled your commendable business practices as petty theft.”
“China Mobile not only faces criticism domestically but also sanctions internationally. Former U.S. President Trump issued an executive order in November 2020 prohibiting any U.S. company or individual from holding shares in companies listed by the U.S. Department of Defense as having ties to the Chinese military, including China Mobile.”
“On December 31, 2020, the New York Stock Exchange announced the suspension of trading for China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom from January 7 to 11, with plans for delisting, leading to a drop in stock prices.”
“According to China Mobile’s official Weibo account, after delisting, the company decided to list on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, aiming to raise up to 8.8 billion USD.”
“In March 2022, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission designated China Mobile USA, a subsidiary of China Mobile, as a national security threat.”
“Furthermore, China Mobile’s Canadian subsidiary announced the cessation of operations on January 5, 2022.”