Service Plan Detail Voice and Text After selection and purchase of a smartphone, a buyer must choose one of three available service plans each with its own distinct SIM. 1. Single-use prepaid voice and non-international text service for a one-time fee of $25.51 This option can be purchased within the airport on arrival or at a retail store. 2. “Top-up” capable prepaid voice and noninternational text only service.52 This option can only be purchased at a retail store. 3. “Top-up” capable prepaid voice and international text service. This option can only be purchased at a retail store. Rates for voice were around $18 for 3 hours of noninternational voice service. It is not clear that the international text message service actually functions. The delegation was unable to receive any texts with foreign origination using this service. Data Access to data service is obtained separately by completing a number of application forms at a retail store. The forms associate the buyer's identity with a new data-capable SIM and mobile device. The service is only activated after the Ministry of Communications, Posts and Telegraph (MPT) approves the forms. The estimated time for MPT to approve and activate data was quoted at 2 days. It is reported that often due to payment confirmation, this stretches to 3. The delegation’s data access was activated on day 3. When asked why it takes so long to activate data service, and what the process for approval is, a store employee stated the telephone operator has to send the application to MPT. The delegation was not able to identify more detail on approval criteria. 51 52 See Appendix I, Photo 2 & 3 See Appendix I, Photo 4 18