No Need To Make SMS Free, Just Make It Unlimited For All Networks

There are persistent news lately about the government’s move to make short messaging services (SMS) provided by telecom companies here in the Philippines free of charge. This move was obviously intended to be a form of relief for the ordinary Filipinos who are presently having difficulties coping with increasing oil prices as well as other domestic problems.

Some sectors have expressed their approval over the proposal, saying that it is about time the government step up to at least control what they call as the “telco cartel.” Others, on the other hand, have expressed the contrary. According to a congressman and former chair of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), making SMS free would eventually cause the congestion of network traffic and would in turn become a disservice to the million of telecom subscribers in the country. He even added that he is not aware of any country in the world which provides free SMS service.

While I commend the government for bringing up this proposal, I just wish to share my thoughts.

If you would think about it, the telecom companies in the country are already providing free SMS services through their unlimited text offers. Thus, the contention of the telecom companies as to the congestion of their networks is somewhat dubious.

I think what the government can do at the moment is to examine the unlimited text promos of these telecom companies and consider making them unlimited for all networks. The way I see it, it would serve the government’s intention of bringing relief to the people and is also a more subtle way of making the telecom companies consider providing the service for free in the future.

I have no doubt that the NTC may consider such a proposal. As to how and when this proposal may be effected, however, the same is still at the telecom companies’ discretion. I just hope that they are willing to give us all even a slight sigh of relief.