Telcos face suit over SMS rates

The National Telecommunications Commission is filing a case against Globe Telecom, Smart Communications, and Sun Cellular for failing to lower their SMS rates according to an NTC directive.   “Dini-determine ng commission kung anong legal action ang ipapatupad against ‘yung tatlong kumpanya,” said NTC director Ed Cabarios said in a report on GMA News’ “24 Oras.”   “If a public telecom entity violates the terms and conditions of the authority, puwede sila patawan ng fine of not more than 200 pesos per day,” he added.   In response to the NTC move, Globe Corporate and Legal Services head Froilan Castelo said, “We maintain that Globe has complied with the NTC regulation on reduction of SMS access charges. Accordingly, Globe has amended its interconnect agreements with other carriers to this effect.” However, Cabarios said, “’yung pagbaba ng interconnection charge, dapat maramdaman ‘yan ng consumers.”   SMS rates were expected to go down from P1 to P0.80 last Nov. 30, but consumers complained that the lower prices did not take effect.   Meanwhile, NTC also issued a memorandum that required telcos to maintain their unlimited call and text services during the holiday season.   “Ang utos sa kanila ay ‘wag tanggalin doon sa mga unlimited service offerings ‘yung December 23 hanggang December 26, December 30 to December 31, January 1 tsaka January 2,” said Cabarios. — AL/VS/KG, GMA News