Finally, even Telecom companies get to be a part of the wrong side of the SMS spam. In the latest addition of clauses to regulations, the TRAI has ensured that even the Telecom companies and marketers are under the scanner for SMS spam.
According to the new clauses, if an SMS spam is sent by someone other than a registered telemarketer, Telecom Operators would have to be fined Rs. 5,000 per complaint. With the new rule, it is the headache of the Telecom operator to check the identity of telemarketer. The main reason for the fine is that despite so many rules and regulations, Telecom operators still get a fair amount of money through SMS spams and hence a fine would ensure that they tie the loose ends properly.
One more addition is that the entity being referred through the SMS spam will also face a ban. The contact number specified in the spam messages will also have to be disconnected in addition to the number from which the message has come. As per the regulations, Telecom operators are required to submit the list of Bulk connections by 15th of every month.
This is a good move by TRAI as it not only penalizes the spammer, but also the Telecom operator via whom the spamming occurs. Hopefully this new regulation will put an end to spam SMS.
Report Contributed by Monish Kumar