In an attempt to stop SPAM text messages, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has directed mobile operators to suspend messaging service of users who send out 200 identical messages in less than 15 minutes.
PTA has taken this step to target users who are SMS spamming for commercial purposes.
It is worth mentioning here that a similar policy was devised in 2012 which used the same dynamics as the latest policy announced. This new regime, however, is aimed at curbing marketing SMS only; under the previous policy some legitimate traffic was also getting blocked.
If a user’s service is blocked for sending out 200 text messages in 15 minutes he/she can get their messaging service reopened by submitting an affidavit that the offence will not be repeated. If the user violates the policy again, his/her messaging service will be blocked permanently.
We hope that PTA has developed strong parameters to target only SPAM messages as a lot of users tend to send out bulk messages to their loved ones during joyous occasions such as Eid, Ramzan, New Year, and many others. It might become an unnecessary nuisance to have your services blocked while just trying to share your happiness with your loved ones.
ProPakistani’s story on this policy almost two years ago can be read HERE.
