Freedom from annoying calls and SMSes

After several failed attempts to implement new telemarketing guidelines, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), has finally issued guidelines to stop unsolicited calls and SMSes from September 27 midnight. Puneites react

Previous such attempts have failed; let’s hope the rules are followed this time
This time the directives issued by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) are to be strictly followed by telecom operators across the country. Such directives were issued five times before and every time the date for implementation was extended. But there are no such extensions this time.

There are two types of unsolicited calls and SMSes that consumers receive. Cellphone users will continue to receive transactional messages and calls such as those from government, police, colleges and schools.  The second category of messages and calls, that are categorised as promotional, will be blocked as per the user’s choice.

The gateway operators, who operate on bulk messages for marketing purposes, will be affected by this TRAI regulation. Let us hope that this time the TRAI does not extend the date for implementing this regulation. 
Ravi Ghate, president, SMSONE Media Services

It will be difficult to curb this menace as it is a revenue generator
If this new TRAI regulation is followed strictly by telecom operators and marketing firms, it will really come as big relief to cellphone users. It is very troublesome to receive unsolicited calls especially, when you are busy with work or enjoying your leisure time. Some of these telecallers are so adamant that they force us to listen to them. Many a times we get these calls in the middle of the night, which is very irritating.

Though it is a welcome move, I doubt how much it will be followed. Such regulations were passed earlier also, but the situation came back to square one. It is a revenue generator for telecom companies as well as marketing firms and both are benefiting out of it. I won’t be surprised, if I start getting these calls and SMSes again. 
Arun Sherkar, lecturer

It is extremely annoying to receive promotional messages or calls at work
I think it’s about time that we had some strict regulations against unsolicited calls and SMSes. TRAI has tried to do this five times before, bu that hasn’t put an end to the problem.

It’s almost every day that some promotional message from some telemarketing company is delivered to my inbox early in the morning. It is extremely annoying to receive such texts while one is in a meeting or doing something important. Telecallers are another problem. Even though I don’t wish to be rude to them over the phone, it’s hard not to lose my cool when they try to sell me an investment plan while I am busy preparing for an exam. This nuisance should be curbed right away. 
Swati Maheshwari, student

In case of violation of rules, cellphone users can file an online complaint with TRAI
The new TRAI directive is mandatory for all telecom operators to follow. If a consumer receives such unsolicited calls and SMSes even after registering themselves with their telecom operators, it will be considered as a violation of the regulation and consumers can file an online complaint with the TRAI. The TRAI website is very simple and user-friendly. Cellphone users must understand that it is very necessary to register themselves on the given number 1909 to bar such calls and SMSes. The mobile operators must make their subscribers aware of the new TRAI regulation, so the consumers can avail of the facility. Similarly, cellphone users must come forward and complaint in case of violation of the regulation. After all, consumers are also responsible for proper implementation of new rules and regulation.    
Dnyanraj Santh, lawyer & secretary, Grahak Hitvardhini

Citizens will have to follow up complaints for proper implementation
The TRAI should have a helpline number and act as a watchdog to prosecute those who violate the regulation, within a specific time and publish it in paper. My question is that does the TRAI have the authority to follow-up such complaints and sue the defaulter, say within three days. Will the TRAI investigate and file litigation? I doubt they will do it unless the people insist. Citizens can’t keep a watch on violators and unless the defaulters are prosecuted, it is no use. People need to come together to file PILs against violators. Or else we will keep on getting such calls and SMSes.
Vinod Bodhankar, networking activist