Users to turn off mobile phones as sign of protest against price rise

As a sign of protest to the price surge in text messages from the three mobile phones companies and the “Olympic tax” imposed, the main consumer protection agencies are planning a mobile phones ‘blackout’ throughout the country.

“The 12th of 12 at 12 we’ll turn off mobile phones” is the protest’s slogan conducted by the consumer protection agency.

Sandra Andrade, head of the Consumer Education Center, said that “users feel powerless and disgruntled.”

Claro, Movistar, and Personal are the only suppliers in the country, making the service a monopoly, and without the State to have a say to regulate the rise in prices.

“First, companies have announced that text messaging will rise to 53% and now they are adopting this new tax, which is regressive and unfair. None of the measures was consulted with users,” complained Andrada.

Osvaldo Bassano, ADUCC holder, stressed that “it is important to unify the protest against these measures which affect the lower-income users.”