Theft of Toll-cellular

Cellular consumers in Indonesia have annoyed recently, because of theft of toll-cellular. Their toll-cellular always reduced even lost by receiving message (short message service). The message comes every day, even more than one message per day. The messages are usually filled offering prize, news, or ring back tone. 

To deduct toll-cellular from consumers, the thieves use premium content or a cellular number to sent message. Even it’s sometimes happened without the consumer committing registration.  If a consumer reply the message, his toll-cellular will be inhaled. And the consumers get difficulties to stop the messages. ‘UNREG’ method is useless. Their toll-cellular lost constantly. 

At least, in July-October 2011, 7000 complaints have entered to BRTI, Badan Regulasi Telekomunikasi Indonesia (Indonesian Telecommunication Regulation Organization). YLKI, Yayasan Lembaga Konsumen Indonesia (Indonesian Consumers Foundation), estimates telecommunication consumers suffered monthly losses of Rp 147 billion due to theft of toll-cellular.

The telecommunication operators, meanwhile, denied their involvement in the scheme. After meeting with Minister of Information and Communication, Tifatul Sembiring, at October 5, 2011, the Telecommunication Operators agree to stop naughty content inhaled toll-cellular illegally.

Tifatul Sembiring said that he will give sanction to operator which deducts phone credit through message offering prizes and premium content.

Concerning the public complaints, the Parliament will call Minister of Information and Telecommunication, Tifatul Sembiring. Parliament will urge Government to revoke permission of dishonest cellular operator.

Police, meanwhile, still investigating about thieving toll-cellular. Until now just one person that reported the deducting phone credit to police, Muhammad Feri Kuntoro.  Feri said that he loss Rp 450,000 because of toll-cellular thieving. 

Police ask to people that lost because of toll-cellular thieving to make indictment.

(Image from Google)