Removal of prepaid load expiry date under study at NTC

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) is exploring the possibility of removing the expiry date of prepaid load for cellular phones.   “Pinag-aaralan lahat ng posibilidad para makatulong sa mga consumers na ‘yung kanilang binibili na load, hindi masayang, kasi kung nag-eexpire, masasayang yan eh,” said NTC director Edgardo Cabarios, in a report on GMA News TV’s State of the Nation.   However, NTC is still studying how this action will affect telecommunication companies.   The leading telecommunication providers Smart and Globe have declined to comment on the issue, it was reported in State of the Nation.   Presently, a load value of P30 to P50 is valid for 15 days, P100 for 30 days, P300 for 75 days, and P500 for 120 days. Prepaid cards remain valid for one year, provided they are unused.   Cellphone subscribers welcome the prospect of having no expiration date for load, however, cellphone load vendors are averse to the idea.   “Hindi ako pabor, para sa akin eh. Kasi hihina ako eh,” said Gerry Gonzales, a load vendor. — ATL/ELR, GMA News