India: Duplicate sms, mobile users' new worry

Sify reports on "the most surreptitious, smartest and almost foolproof move by mobile companies to fleece customers. It's called "duplicate messaging".

Take the case of Meena. A New Delhi Idea connection holder, she received the same SMS 25 times, that too while roaming, from a relative holding a BSNL connection in Jabalpur. With no device to stop the repeats, Meena would be billed for one message 25 times - on STD rates. Her kin, too, paid Rs 15 instead of the 60 paise she would have if the SMS had gone only once.

Meena's is not an isolated case. Similar outrage has emanated from customers of Reliance, Hutch, Dolphin, BSNL and Airtel.

Despite being presented with specific numbers and cases, most companies refused to accept the problem.

emily | 9:40 AM | News, Buzz |
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