TRAI leash offers no relief from pesky SMSes

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Mobile users across the country heaved a sigh of relief after the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India imposed new Regulations imposed on unsolicited telemarketing calls and pesky SMS came into force last week.

However, promotional SMS communications seem to be least hit with such messages making regular beeps on the mobile.

Trai took this decision to implement the new limit because of the growing number of Unsolicited Commercial Communications (promotional SMS and calls).

Though marketing firms, including online shopping sites, had sent texts stating 'Sorry Customer your orders may henceforth be communicated to you only through email', are now freely sending their alerts to the customers.

“During my college days I used texts as a medium to communicate my thoughts. The new policy definitely affect youngsters. Still, I think the 100 sms is reasonable, but these pesky SMSes are disturbing and need to be restricted,” said the young Congress MLA, V. T. Balram.

“I really don’t understand the reason for such a stupid policy. Even BSNL sends close to five promotional SMS a day, and I can't communicate with my pals," said Asok Mohan, a PR executive,
And joining the fray have been the youth who are the most hit.

They have created pages against the Trai policy. Vincent Raja of Erode posted on Facebook: “If I use DND (Do Not Disturb) it stops all my important bank alerts and trading alerts.”

BSNL sources pointed out that the exception given to various service providers, including the telecom operators, e-ticketing agencies from the new limit of 100 SMSes per SIM was the reason for the menace.

Among those worst hit have been teenagers, those with hearing deficiencies and those businesses providing tracking services like real time train and flight timings.