NTC moves vs ‘nakaw load’, cancels registration of value-added service provider

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has revoked the certificate of registration of Got Deals Mobile Inc., a mobile content provider of Globe Telecom in connection with a complaint filed by a netizen over hidden charges and missing loads.

The decision was announced by NTC Deputy Commissioner Edgrado Cabarios during Monday’s hearing of the Senate committee on science and technology, which has been inquiring into numerous complaints about the alleged disappearance of prepaid mobile loads or “nakaw load.”

“On the issue of the one that was tackled last time, on the complaint filed by Freanne, the Commission has revoked the certificate of registration of Got Deals and that includes all including that of Smart so they can’t offer services anymore,” Cabarios said.

He was referring to Freanne Hontinveros Mauricio, who has filed a letter-complaint with the NTC after she narrated on Facebook how she was being charged P5 “multiple times every day for months, all for nothing.”

READ: NTC orders Globe, mobile content provider to explain ‘nakaw load’  

Cabarios said the NTC has also directed Globe to implement measures to ensure that similar incidents would not happen again.

The agency, he said, is also considering requiring telecommunication companies (telcos) to have at least two “opt-in” confirmations.

“The subscriber must receive the remaining balance every day. If they don’t file complaints after 30 days then the load is considered okay,” Cabarios explained.

“This will give also the telcos the right to consider all of these loads as legitimate loads after 30 days,” he said.

The NTC would also ensure that value-added service providers would perform their duty to protect the consumers.

“So we’re opening public consultations on this within the week. Once we have completed pubic consultations, we will prepare the draft and call for a public hearing,” Cabarios said.                   /kga