The Network Access and Brand Usage Fee (NABU) is a system that has been introduced by the network providers in order to tackle overuse of mobile internet services. The NABU should not be confused with other related fees like Value Added Service (VAS) or Operator Charges. This fee will be billed separately from the monthly bill for mobile services.

What is the amount of Network Access and Brand Usage Fee?

The fee will be calculated based on a certain percentage of the cost of the mobile service plan, however it will not exceed 500,000 dong per month. The value of the NABU may fluctuate as time goes by depending on inflation rates and market forces.

Why do network providers need this fee?

Mobile service providers have applied the NABU fee in order to optimize their revenue. The related costs are rising quickly as more people switch from traditional phone lines to mobile services, especially for using internet-connected applications on smartphones. Mobile companies have said that they will use money collected from the NABU to cover growing internet connection costs for customers.

How much does it cost to connect to the network?

The total fee for connecting or disconnecting a line, regardless of any special services activated (voice mail, call forwarding), is 3,000 VND. The fee is paid by service providers and users are not charged. There is no fee for SIM change with the same number and package, however there will be a one-time fee of 3,000 VND for changing the PIN security codes to ensure that fraud does not occur.

When and how can I use this service?

Mobile users will see the Network Access and Brand Usage Fee when they subscribe to a mobile service plan or in their monthly phone bills. The fee will be implemented from August 1, 2015 and the amount of 500 VND per month will be collected from each user account.

For example: If you have subscribed to a monthly package at 500,000 VND, after three months (August-October), you will be charged 500,000 VND + 1,500,000 VND (Network Access and Brand Usage Fee) = 2,000,000 VND.

What is the time period for collection of the fees?

The fee will be collected quarterly at the end of each quarter in January, April, July or October to make it easier for users to track their expenses. The NABU fee will be applied on the total of all monthly subscriptions (for all numbers under that account) or on services like SMS, internet, or international call within 12 months.

What if I don’t want to use the service anymore?

If you are no longer using a service or a certain type of internet-based application, you should immediately inform the telecommunications company in order to avoid being charged for NABU services. Mobile users can also temporarily stop using the fee-carrying applications until they have paid off their NABU fees.