'Do Not Disturb' system is being launched for mobile phone subscribers

The Dhaka Times Desk For the first time in Bangladesh, the regulatory agency BTRC has created a policy to protect the rights of mobile phone customers. The draft policy includes 'Do Not Disturb' rules to relieve consumers from the nuisance of unwanted mobile calls and SMS. Once it is launched, customers will get rid of unwanted SMS and calls throughout the day.

Advance Message Directives on Network Related Matters to Ensure Accountability of Cellphone Operators to Customers. This information is known from the relevant sources of BTRC. The source said the policy is now in the final stage. It is said that BTRC will implement it only after getting permission from the concerned authorities.

If the 'Do Not Disturb' rule of the draft policy comes into effect, prior permission of the customer will be required if telemarketing company's advertisements or promotional messages or phone calls are sent to the customer through SMS. The customer has to register through SMS to take this commercial service. At the same time certain charges have to be paid.

It is known that in the draft policy, there is an opportunity to block such SMS or phone calls according to different categories without completely blocking such SMS or phone calls under this service with a 'short code'. It has been informed that if a customer wants to leave this service and return to the old status, then he can also cancel the received service using the same shotcode.

If the draft policy is to be implemented, the mobile phone operators will have to inform the customers in advance through SMS, phone or advertisement in daily newspaper if any existing service is to be reformed or stopped. Cellphone operators cannot share personal information with customers without their permission. At the same time, operators should also take initiative to keep Internet users free from any type of virus through mobile phones. Also, to resolve billing related complications, at least six months of bills should be deposited on the website as a customer.

It should be noted that in recent times cellphone operators have been harassing customers to the extreme with their offers through SMS or voice calls throughout the day. Customers feel that if this system is introduced, at least the customers will be freed from the disturbance of cellphone companies. Customers will also get rid of unwanted SMS.