We should adopt more information technology use and communicate via the Internet and SMS. For those of us who have personal computers and Internet connection, we could install special programs or equipment that will allow us to make phone calls over the Internet.

The technology to do this may not be perfect yet but the savings are tremendous. The reason why Telekom Malaysia is increasing their local call rates is to offset the potential loss of revenue from international calls as people wise up on the use of Internet phones.

Malaysia has a much lower rate of Internet connection compared with countries like Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea and Taiwan. The changes in phone tariffs may be a good reason for people to get more Web-savvy now or else they may find themselves forever beholden to the telcos whims.

Perhaps it is also time for Malaysia to finally and truly open up the fixed-line phone market to create more local competition and fairer deals for consumers.