Log in
Business

Spam messages disturb customers

Mobile subscribers are receiving more and more SMS spam in addition to spam messages from OTT (over-the-top) apps. Both the watchdog agency and mobile-network operators say they have not been able to find effective solutions to control the messages.

 

Spam messages, OTT apps

 

Hoang Hong Hoa, an office worker in Thanh Xuan District, said since early September, she has had to block messages from 40-50 mobile phone numbers which regularly send spam to her phone.

“The messages are sent from so many subscription numbers that there is no way to deal with all of them,” she said, adding that she still has to delete dozens of spam messages every day.

Vu Hoang Nam in Cau Giay District also complained that he receives over 20 spam messages a day and several “spam calls” inviting him to buy goods and services. He once contacted the mobile network operator and asked for help to prevent spam incoming messages and calls. However, he was told to just ignore the messages and calls.

“They told me that they cannot do anything to help me, and that all subscribers of all mobile networks are suffering from the same thing,” he said.

Meanwhile, Vu Hoang Hai in Nam Tu Liem District complained about the number of spam messages from OTT apps like Viber and Beetalk.

“Though OTT apps are helpful, I still decided to remove the apps from my phone because I don’t want to be bothered with spam messages,” he said.

A senior executive of VinaPhone, one of the three biggest mobile-network operators in Vietnam, confirmed that VinaPhone has heard many complaints from customers.

To date, the mobile network operator has locked 460,000 simcards found as regular senders of spam messages.

Other mobile-network operators said they now provide a service which allows subscribers to prevent messages from selected mobile numbers.

However, they admitted that the solution cannot help much, because the senders can send messages from many different subscription numbers.

“It is nearly impossible for mobile network operators to check the content of every message. Meanwhile, the number of messages from certain subscribers is not big, therefore, the ‘filter’ on our system cannot detect whether the subscribers send normal messages or spam ones,” the senior executive explained.

The officer also said mobile network operators “cannot do anything to stop the spam messages from OTT apps”.

“In general, OTT service providers and OTT users negotiate about how they will provide and use services. Meanwhile, the only task mobile network operators have is ensuring the high quality of the transmission line,” he explained.

Reactions:
Share:
Trending
Underage motorcyclists: Crime parents can no longer ignore

Underage motorcyclists: Crime parents can no longer ignore

24 Mar, 11:00 PM

Welcome to Words on the Street, where we dive into everyday dilemmas. In Vietnam, a mother was recently sentenced to six months in prison for allowing her juvenile child to drive and cause a serious accident. This ruling sets a tough but necessary precedent: parents can no longer ignore their legal responsibilities.

Hanoi advances energy efficiency for businesses

Hanoi advances energy efficiency for businesses

25 Mar, 02:23 PM

Hanoi authorities, in collaboration with relevant agencies, are providing technical support to businesses in adopting advanced energy-saving technologies and developing energy efficiency indices.

Most Viewed
SSC launches Vietnam Governance Manual 2025

SSC launches Vietnam Governance Manual 2025

Vietnam targets 100% online processing of business-related procedures

Vietnam targets 100% online processing of business-related procedures

By 2026, corporate compliance costs must be halved compared to 2024, achieved through a 50% reduction in processing times.

Vietnam aims to create one million new businesses by 2030

Vietnam aims to create one million new businesses by 2030

Ministries and local governments are expected to cut at least 30% of processing times, compliance costs, and unnecessary business conditions this year.

Hanoi advances energy efficiency for businesses

Hanoi advances energy efficiency for businesses

Hanoi authorities, in collaboration with relevant agencies, are providing technical support to businesses in adopting advanced energy-saving technologies and developing energy efficiency indices.

Vietnamese spend US$13 million daily on coffee and tea

Vietnamese spend US$13 million daily on coffee and tea

Total revenue for the F&B industry is expected to reach VND755.4 trillion ($29.6 billion) this year.

Vietnam works to overcome US seafood export barriers

Vietnam works to overcome US seafood export barriers

Vietnam’s seafood industry is facing new trade barriers from the US under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), which aims to reduce bycatch and promote sustainable fishing.

New IPO rules in Vietnam: How startups can raise capital faster?

New IPO rules in Vietnam: How startups can raise capital faster?

Unlocking capital flows would be crucial for the sustainable development of Vietnam's startup ecosystem.

Viettel to open new data center in Ho Chi Minh City next month

Viettel to open new data center in Ho Chi Minh City next month

Expected to be operational by 2026, the center will play a critical role in meeting the data storage and processing needs of southern Vietnam.