Nepal Telecom (NTC) is playing election-related CRBT (Caller Ringback Tone). The said CRBT raises election awareness and promotes integrity for the upcoming HoR election 2082. The intent is noble, but the article also explores the good and perhaps-not-so-good about the practice of forcing CRBT on calls.
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Ntc plays election 2082 CRBT to raise awareness and promote integrity
Ntc’s election 2082 CRBT raises awareness on the voting method, conveying to people how to vote for a first-past-the-post candidate and parties. The CRBT plays, “In the election for the members of the House of Representatives on Falgun 21, there will be two ballot papers. The first ballot paper, printed on white paper with red ink, is for the First-Past-the-Post system. The second ballot paper, printed in black, is for the Proportional Representation system.”
Further, the CRBT reads, “The Election Commission requests all voters to cast one vote for their preferred candidate on the first ballot paper and one vote for their preferred political party on the second ballot paper.”
Before this, there was another CRBT played in Ntc-Ntc calls for this very election. And it was to discourage any improper practices to influence voters. “A candidate or any other person must not threaten, intimidate, frighten, or coerce voters, nor offer financial or other inducements, the CRBT states. “No one shall give or receive cash or goods with the intention of influencing an election. Organizing public feasts or participating in such feasts is also prohibited.” These are treated as the opposite of the election code of conduct. Further, CRBT states that if anyone finds occurrences of such activities, they should inform the Commission or the office of the concerned election officer.
These CRBTs play in NTC-to-NTC (on-net) calls only.
The telco is cooperating with the Election Commission (EC) for this purpose. It is a rather common practice for the state-telecom giant. It rings CRBT during natural disasters, special occasions such as festivals, historic days, elections, etc.
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It raises awareness, provides information, and helps people stay alert.
But why doesn’t everyone enjoy it?
Not everyone may like the CRBT on their calls. Many users complain that they don’t approve of having to listen to the CRBT every time they call. It’s also that the message once ends, repeats from the beginning. While the intent is certainly on the right side, the practice doesn’t go right for all the end users.
There’s a section of users who argue that, as paying users, they shouldn’t be forced to hear the CRBT during every call. It’s been suggested that NTC or even Ncell have an option allowing users to opt out of the CRBT if they don’t want it. If users don’t want it, getting these messages with music in the background may undermine customer rights and user experience, too. There’s even a writ against NTC CRBT filed on Shrawan 19.
Another make-do is that once the message is complete, it shouldn’t repeat from the start. And if a call is not picked up, it lasts for over 45 seconds. Hearing the informative message throughout the call might feel tedious and even annoying to some. Also, telcos can make the CRBT play once or twice. It ensures the messages have been conveyed and avoids being repetitive. Therefore, the government, government agencies, telcos, and all the stakeholders should hold multilateral talks and decide on it.
What could be the best way here? It could certainly be an option to opt out, which could do the job for all.
What do you think of the NTC CRBT, and do you like the general practice of the telcos issuing messages to users in the form of CRBT “without consent”? Do share your constructive opinion in our comment box below.
