The National Telecommunications had imposed a law about penalizing giant cellphone companies for sending unsolicited text messages composed mainly of advertisements and promotions. Smart Telecom was penalized a total of P20,800 and Globe of P12,200 for unwanted messages.
But the penalty imposed has not prevented these companies from sending spam text messages. I am a SMART subscriber and spam messages about the company’s latest promotions and offers, especially right after I reload my account, have been regular annoyance at my inbox, some of which, I admit, are tempting. Since these are spam, which rhymes with scam by the way, I do not easily succumb to them.
Why was this measure not effective? These maybe are few of the reasons:
1. Because a P20,800 is far incomparable to what they gain out of member subscriptions, which usually costs P2.50 (or P5.00 or more because there are offers which necessitates several texts for full registration). We are aware that these networks have millions of subscribers; probably half of it will subscribe, which may generate thousands of profit. Maybe P20,800 is not even a quarter of what they gain.
2. Although many has been complaining about spam messages, some also join these offers. The adage that goes “Walang manloloko kung walang magpapaloko” similarly applies to this case.
3. Lack of implementation of the law. Since the two cellphone giants have been penalized, have we heard of new penalties imposed? No.
Recently, Sen. Nene Pimentel proposed a law that will ban these spam messages. Under Senate Bill 1138, he proposes to bar telecommunications companies from sending unsolicited materials, such as commercial ads and contests to cellular phone subscribers via short message service or text, GMA News reports.
This was in response to the various complaints he received regarding these unsolicited text messages. Some subscribers also complained that these messages increased their phone bills or has resulted to rapid consumption call credit load of post-paid subscribers.
Under Senate Bill 1138, network companies are barred from sending unsolicited materials such as advertisements, offerings, promotions, subscriptions and other notifications to their subscribers via text or SMS.
The only exception is the sending of legitimate notices of past due accounts.
Violators would be fined between P20,000 to P100,000. A director, officer or employee found to have authorized or allowed the prohibited act shall likewise be fined P1,000 for the first offense; P2,000 for the second offense and P3,000 for the third offense
Image courtesy of Softpedia.com
Tags: Current Events, In the News, Philippine-Politics, Philippines, Politics, Spam, Spam-Filter, Technology
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