MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Starting Oct. 1, monthly service fees here have been increased.
The price increase primarily affected those who have phones in their quarters for personal use, but also affected businesses and organizations with paid phone services.
The average service charge, which was increased by 31 cents, was determined by the DoD to accommodate the rising economy, said Chief Warrant Officer Chad La Suer, Station telephone officer.
"The increase in phone service charges is determined by the DoD comptroller and will affect everybody worldwide that has a non-commercial barracks phone," said La Suer. "The amount of increase is due to rising economic inflation, employment prices and upkeep and maintenance prices."
According to La Suer, nobody likes to pay more for any service, but the money does help provide more funding for the Station Telephone Office to better serve the community.
"Seventy percent of all service charges that are paid aboard the station come back to our office," said La Suer. "The money is used to maintain and upkeep the lines and switches, as well as pay for civilian help at the office."
Since the increase was not an order of the Station but was mandated by DoD, prices will be increased worldwide.
The new price of the Class B-1 and B-1CC phone services, commonly known as the full-service plan and the calling card plan, were increased monthly by .31 cents, making the plan's new cost $24.34.
The B-1R plan, which allows on-base calling and the use of the blue calling cards available on base, was increased by .24 cents a month and will now be available for $18.26.
The B-2 service, which is used by businesses and organizations aboard the Station, was increased by .55 cents a month, making the plan $43.07.
Although the price increase may seem like an inconvenience, the increase is necessary to provide the Station with better phone services.