NTC sets ‘Valentine showdown’ between Globe, TXTPower

Valentine’s Day may yet turn out to be an appropriate occasion for a telco giant and a consumer group to settle their row over increased rates of unlimited text-message service. The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) scheduled for Feb. 14 a meeting with Globe Telecom and TXTPower over Globe’s decision to increase its “Unlimitxt" promo charges. But TXTPower said it will continue its boycott of Globe because the firm continues to defy an earlier NTC order to roll back its rates. “In the meantime, we wish to point out that the nation is waiting for the NTC to enforce its orders against Globe in accordance with its mandate and powers. What should we do now? We must continue the protests especially our boycott of Globe services and products. Our protests help keep the pressure on Globe to respect consumer rights and welfare, and on NTC to do its job as telecom regulator including the enforcement of its orders," it said. TXTPower urged Globe subscribers who have availed themselves of Unlimitxt25 and Unlimitxt50 on Jan. 31, 2007, and whose subscriptions had been abruptly terminated to email TXTPower about their experience. It also sought feedback about Globe’s non-compliance or defiance of the NTC orders of Feb. 5 and Feb. 7. “Folks, the fight is not yet over. We must continue to fight until we get the respect consumers deserve to get from Globe and the NTC," it said. Last Friday, the NTC called for a hearing on the controversial text promo rate hike. TXTPower convenors Anthony Ian Cruz, Trixie Concepcion, Ana Gabriela Celestial and Raymond Palatino went to the NTC Friday to represent TXTPower, which had filed a complaint against Globe’s price hike for unlimited texting. But instead of the hearing, NTC Commissioner Abraham Abesamis announced that the NTC will attempt to settle the issues amicably between Globe and TXTPower. In separate closed-door meetings with Globe lawyers and TXTPower convenors, NTC sought talking points from both parties. TXTPower said the convenors offered "a reasonable, minimum demand' that Globe restore the previous rates of P15 for one day, P25 for two days, and P50 for five days, alongside the P15 Daytime, P10 Night Time and the other new choices. The old rates should replace the P20, P40 and P80 for one, two and four days, respectively. The NTC, Globe and TXTPower have agreed to meet again on Feb. 14. “We hope Globe accepts our suggestion as a show of good faith and respect for their subscribers. Besides, the old rates helped make Globe P11.8-billion richer in 2006," TXTPower said. - GMANews.TV