NTC mulls Philippine Do-Not-Text (DNT) List
Due to the recent re-proliferation of SMS SPAM on Philippine mobile networks, the NTC is mulling the introduction of a Do-Not-Text (DNT) list. This list will contain the mobile phone numbers that do not want to receive SMS marketing messages.
PHILIPPINE mobile phone users harassed by unwanted promotional text messages may soon able to register with a “not-to-text” database, the National Telecommunications Commission has said …
… The not-to-text database is part of the NTC’s revised draft memorandum circular 03-03-2005-A. The circular also requires mobile content providers to register with the NTC beforedoing business with mobile network operators.
“The database is one way for us to minimize the SMS [text] barrage from content providers. Also, the content provider registry that we’ll be building would ensure that mobile phone operators will only deal with authorized content providers,” Sarmiento said.
I believe this a good move by the NTC to minimize the amout of SMS SPAM being received by subscribers. We still have to see how they plan to implement this. There are a number of circulars already out that regular SMS traffic. Enforcement is key to getting good results. However, it should not be hard since there are only three (3) mobile network operators in the country. This can be implemented on the network operator side. Network operators and content providers are now forced to find other ways to promoting their Value-Added Services (VAS).
May 31st, 2006 at 12:39 am
The battle begins. Content Providers are now opposing the NTC DNT measure. They are pointing out that this DNT registry is a privacy violation. It could possibly be a privacy violation as this information can potentially fall into wrong hands. I believe the appropriate guidelines must be placed to protect this information. Or at least, the minimum amount of information must be collected.