The five SMSes a day regulation imposed by government to curb spreading rumors in the Assam issue, came as a shocker for mobile users. Even after two days of this regulation, Keralites are still not able to get to terms with it.
Though government initially barred bulk SMSes, mobile companies sent texts to users, stating that they have reached their day’s limit of five SMSes. Interestingly, pesky SMSes are least affected with users getting promotion related SMSes as usual.
“Even with the 5 SMS limit, I got a spam SMS about a data card operator; this is India,” said Bipin Tom Thomas of Saintgits College of Engineering, Kottayam. Many post paid customers across the state are however not affected by the ban, irrespective of their telecom operators.
Many businessmen, advertisement firms and students are affected by the new restriction. “I have to contact a long list of about 50 customers and clients as part of my profession, but this restriction has doubled my work pressure and it is quite expensive to make a call to each and everyone,” said Mr S. Hareesh, a medical representative.
"Messages are the apt way for conveying our wishes during the festival and if there is such a ban during Onam, it can create severe blocks in the smooth flow of relationships,” said Ms.Roshni Prabakaran, a student.
Different applications are lending a helping hand to the worried lot. Applications like Wattsap in Nokia and Blackberry Messenger Service, Nimbuzz services, and way2sms are a better alternative to manage the 5 SMSes ban.
These applications, however, needed a high end phone with internet connection. Both Twitter and Facebook are abuzz with the ban issue with netizens registering their fury and protest. However, many are seeing the lighter side too.
“Guys If u get 5 SMSes from a girl, marry her!!!” became the most shared joke on Twitter and Facebook.
“Dear Govt. Thank you for the 'Ban' on SMS. It helped take away the monotony of wishes, giving us an opportunity to call & wish,” an avid tweeter tweeted.
BSNL Kerala likely to revert the plan
If things go as per plans, customers of BSNL can heave a sigh of relief as BSNL Kerala circle is planning to revert the ban.
BSNL officials assured that Kerala circle is expecting to be excluded from the ban within 2 days as festivals are round the corner in the state.
“We have given a memorandum for Central Government in this regard and waiting for a positive nod,” a top BSNL official said.
It can be a sign of consolation for a mass customers of BSNL especially youth who rely on messages as the proper method of communication in this informative age.