The normal price for sms in Indonesia used to be IDR.350. SMS to overseas is at IDR.600. So the accountant side of me always make full used of it and type until 160 characters.

But nowadays, the competition between the mobile operators is getting tight. So the sms price for Simpati (Telkomsel) has dropped to IDR.100. The other CDMA operator even gives 5 free sms if we send 1 sms. Every operator fights to give the lowest sms and call rate. I couldn’t catch up with it anymore, so I stick to Simpati for the quality (better line).

Recently, Esia (CDMA operator) came out with ‘pay for what you use‘ sms service. It is IDR.1 per character.

If we type ‘OK’, other GSM operator will charge, let’s take the standard price, IDR.350. While Esia only charge IDR.2. This is so damn fair! It is about the same with Airasia regarding the baggage fee.

SMS and call rate for local has getting cheaper and cheaper. But, the sms price to overseas doesn’t even move 1 Rupiah. -___-”