Econet Wireless subscribers have lodged complaints of sabotage following disruptions in bulk SMS services on the Zimbabwean network.
Reports of failed SMSs because of network-based blocking or failure to send have been filed.
Further complaints include the display of the recipient’s identity, rather than customised name, as well as showing a United Kingdom (UK) or Indian number in the sender’s field.
Although most bulk SMS service providers in Zimbabwe make use of Indian-based gateways, the unmasking leads to business loss as the uncustomised sender identity is often ignored by recipients.
The affected parties are demanding refunds from Econet and other operators with similar offerings in Zimbabwe such at Kubutana and Zimhosts.
Econet has previously promised protecting client interest from spam message, whereas the terms and conditions of Kubutana and Zimhosts, stipulates subscriber details will be shared for bulk SMS advertising.
Econet had blocked popular bulk SMS gateways at the end of July, while other operators continued allowing SMS flow.
“For bulk SMS players, this will lead to thousands of dollars being lost per day since Econet has the largest subscriber base in Zimbabwe,” a client said, according to The Herald.
The problem of strange delivery patterns seems to be unique to Econet as NetOne and Telecel bulk SMSs are still delivering normally.
