| 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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