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Econet’s response to the allegations of blocking bulk SMS
Tendai Mupaso, Technology Zimbabwe
December 03, 2013

http://www.techzim.co.zw/2013/12/econets-response-allegations-blocking-bulk-sms/

Earlier today we posted an article titled “Operator blocking ‘legit’ bulk SMS?” in which we wrote about the blocking legitimate bulk SMS messages that a local software company, Chartered Systems Integration (CSI), says Econet is doing. We had contacted Econet for comment but they hadn’t responded in time for the publication of the article. They have since responded and basically say they are not blocking any legitimate SMS messages. They however, say they do restrict access to aggregators that use international gateways to terminate SMSs on the Econet network. We’re guessing CSI’s aggregator falls under this category.

Here’s the full Econet response:

Econet is not “blocking” SMSs from legitimate bulk SMS providers or aggregators.

Econet does constantly review access of bulk SMSs to its network, in compliance with regulatory requirements and for the protection of customers. For instance, Econet restricts access to aggregators that use international gateways to terminate SMSs on the Econet network. Additionally, you will also be aware of regulatory requirements on the need to protect our customers from spam SMSs.

Our relationship with Gikko is merely that of network-and-aggregator, where Gikko pays Econet for the SMSs they send.

We are open to cooperating with SMSs aggregators, and we are working with our regulator to ensure this happens as smoothly as possible and within the regulations.

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