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District 3830
 

Kuro-kuro Ko Lamang
by: Rtn. Chuck Montecillo

Communication is something that we all count on and rely upon in our daily lives. In our business, it is essential that we always be reachable, not only by our clients, but especially our by our collegues.

In today's world, we have fax machines, computers that are networked, pagers, cellphones and of course, telephones. Somehow, all these devices can exchange information, from one format to another, all to keep us connected.

All over the world, technology has kept us busier than ever. There is hardly a place where we can hide from our business nowadays.... unless you're in the Philippines.

Now, how can I say this? Nowhere else can you see so many cellphones and pagers beeping and ringing, all at the same time. One company even brags(?) about processing over 20 million text messages on a daily basis! Drivers, maids, even the lady selling "balot" in the corner has a pager or cell phone.

Well, the companies here in the Philippines have decided, in the heat of competition, to try and keep its subscribers by making their system proprietary. By law, this is illegal. Communications must be exchangable. Meaning, if I wanted to call someone on one cellular system, and I was on another system, I should be able to connect. Such is not the case. Ok, text messages, fine, limit them to one system if they want to, but even voice calls?

I'm sure you all have heard the arguments and defenses of all these companies. What I really want to share with you today is that things have gotten so far out of hand and we in this country are bending over and taking it U& #$% !@#!!!

This is a billion peso industry! Our hard earned money is NOT well spent. Instead of the communications that we need, we get flashy ads in the paper and TV, along with Brainless ad campaigns with catchy names and sexy looking spokes people (well, that part is fine).

I have a cell phone so I can place phone calls when I'm out as well as receive calls. Being able to send text messages is a great extra. But, if I can only contact certain people due to their choice in phone companies, that just plain makes me raving mad.

What makes this worse, is that I'm not alone. There are thousands of others that feel the same way, but have no way to speak out. Not everyone can have a column with a readership of 60 to 80 people on a weekly basis.

Do I expect too much? Maybe, but I can't imagine expecting any less. If I did, then I would be accepting mediocrity. I know this country is capable of more than that. I just wish that the shapers and movers would start expecting more of themselves instead of the mediocre standard they have set. No wonder other countries still look at us as a third world country, despite the wealth and technological advances we have attained.

When I use my cellphone, I expect to be able to contact and communicate with someone else, not just listen to a recording telling me lies about why I can't be connected. I didn't buy my Nokia 6150 as a fashion accessory (even though it does look so kewl!).

Being back from the US, I have learned to be disappointed. Communications in this country has gotten to an all time low, in my opinion. Things are way out of hand. I just hope that one day, people will realize this and demand more... better service, money better spent and technology used to the advantage of all.

"Sorry, all lines are busy now. Please try your call later..."

AAAArrrrgghhhhh!!!!!!!!!!


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