The government’s decision to ban bulk messaging across the country may have been done with the security angle in mind, so as to pre-empt a law and order issue, but the move has resulted in mobile phone users across the city rejoicing as there would not be any pesky telemarketing messages.
Twenty-two-year-old Kavita Rao says the last one week has been blissful. “I wish the ban would get extended permanently, irrespective of the verdict,” Kavita said.
However, even as many are satisfied with no telemarketers’ messages, there are also some who lament the lack of information services. Rajeev Menon, who invests in the stock market, says it is a problem for him when he can’t receive market updates. “I get stock market updates through SMSes from my mutual funds company at noon and at 8 pm. It’s important for me to keep track of what’s happening with the market, as I have several investments. But with the ban, I’m not getting them anymore. So even though it’s a joy to not be disturbed by annoying SMS advertisements, I’m losing out on information that I need,” Rajeev said.
However, people are relieved to know that only corporate bulk plans of sending messages to more than 25,000 recipients has been banned. One can continue to send forwards to friends without any fear.