Globe telemarketing campaign unethical--NTC

By Erwin Oliva - INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines -- An official of the National Telecommunications Communication said it was unethical for telemarketers representing Globe Telecom to call up subscribers of rival operator Smart Communications and offer them to switch to their service.

“The practice is not ethical,” said NTC Deputy Commissioner Jorge Sarmiento in a text message.

He said the NTC will be looking into the matter.

Meanwhile, Globe spokesperson Jones Campos said he was not aware how telemarketers got hold of numbers of Smart subscribers, but admitted this might be a “job-out or outsourced” service.

Asked if there was any company policy against this practice, the Globe spokesperson said he was not aware of any.

“I don't know how they got hold of your numbers and the database of Smart,” he said.

Pressed if this practice was unethical and possibly an invasion of privacy, the Globe spokesperson said “he does not know” but indicated that he will also look into the matter.

The telemarketers would call Smart subscribers randomly, introducing themselves as Globe agents. They then ask for the subscriber’s e-mail or fax number to which they could send more information about the Globe promo for the offer to switch.

Smart’s public affairs office said it was aware of this practice by its rival.

“This has happened several times in the past. We got them from reports,” Ramon Isberto, public affairs head, said in a phone interview.

Isberto said if Globe Telecom telemarketers got hold of its database, it qualifies as “stealing.”

Isberto said Smart will also check on this practice and study legal actions it might take.