New Delhi:
A new attempt to protect you from spam SMS-es and telemarketing calls will also limit how many text messages you can send in a day. So if you have itchy fingers, watch out. Starting yesterday, individuals cannot send more than 100 SMS-es a day.
The new rule, introduced by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, is aimed at checking those random text messages you receive on how to buy a sauna belt, or "lose motapa (get thinner)." Violators could be fined upto Rs 2.5 lakhs.
But it has its critics. "We had recently undertaken a campaign, and had to send nearly 200 messages every day. If this rule had been applicable then, our campaign would have faced severe setbacks. Their intentions are commendable, but their method is wrong. Why can't they limit the number of messages that telemarketing firms send out every day?" said Abhisekh Lamba, an engineering student from Mumbai.
The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) also expressed concern over the order. "All service providers have made necessary arrangements to comply with the TRAI regulation, in order to curb the menace of telemarketing calls. However, many of our officers have expressed reservations about the 100 SMS-es per day limitation," said Rajan S Mathews, Director General, COAI.
So some service providers have been exempted from the 100-SMS limit. They include e-ticketing agencies, social networking sites like Facebook and Orkut, and agencies providing directory services like Justdial and Askme.
Mr Mathews added, "While we are eager to eradicate the menace of pesky communication - which amounts to an invasion of the consumer's privacy - we are equally particular about safeguarding the consumer's rights. The consumer reserves the right to choose any method of communication, which is convenient for him. No artificial limitations should be imposed upon this basic liberty."
The 100-SMSes rule will also not apply on "blackout days" or festive occasions when you can send as many messages as you want.
You can choose to register with the 'Fully Blocked' category, by SMS-ing 'START 0' to 19090. If a user selects the 'Partially Blocked' category, he/she will receive SMS-es in categories chosen.