Trashing the junk callers

Cellphone users get protection from pestering salesmen

BANGKOK: -- If you want to avoid junk text messages, just dial your service provider's call centre.

And if you dial 1186 today, the Office of the Insurance Commission (OIC) also promises to ensure that you won't get pestering calls about insurance policies from a specific company for at least six months.

The useful tips come from PM's Office Minister Satit Wongnongtaey, who had a meeting with the Consumer Protection Board yesterday. Representatives from cellphone service providers were also present.

Numberselling scam

"We have inside information that personal details of cellphone users along with their phone numbers has been sold," Satit said.

He encouraged people who suspect their details have been sold to tip off the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), which can punish both the sellers and the buyers.

A recent survey found that most people are unhappy about telemarketers targeting them via their cellphones. Insurance policies rank among the most common products being touted over the phone.

According to the OIC, an insurance company must not repeatedly contact anyone who has already refused to buy a policy. "The OIC will raise public awareness about citizens' right to proฌtect themselves from such unwanted calls," Satit said.

Satit went on to announce plans to clamp down on TV advertising.

"Regulations say there should be a maximum of 12 minutes of adverts per hour, but this is being abused," he said.

-- The Nation 2009-07-16

A timely and very much needed move. It seems that the present government is serious about improving the life's quality of people. A follow-up in other matters is also welcome.

posttenebraslux

Hope this include the SMS from th3 provider...