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LKI 2020-060 Press Statement on Internet Speed and Lock in and expiry periods

202P.O. Box 1161, QCCPO, NCR, Philippines 1100
Cell No. : +63 917-812-5546
Email : labankonsyumer@gmail.com
: dimagibavic@gmail.com
: dmagiba@pldtdsl.net
Facebook: Laban Konsyumer Inc.
Website : www.labankonsyumer.com

LKI PRESS STATEMENT 2020-060
September 7, 2020

LABAN KONSYUMER PROMOTES CONSUMER PROTECTION FOR LOCKUP AND INTERNET SPEEDS, CALLS FOR FASTER SET-UP OF TOWERS, GYMS TO BE MORE CONSIDERATE OF CUSTOMERS DURING QUARANTINE/ LOCKDOWN

Consumer Group Laban Konsyumer Inc. (LKI), in an interview with DZBB today with Joel Reyes and Weng de la Pena said “for the need of faster speed of internet, especially during the start of many private schools which use internet, the solution for Telcos is really to put up more towers so that residential and student users of internet will benefit from more agile and speedier internet. Tower permits should be in compliance with the directive of 7 days so as to have more user tower. The lockup period right now for the moment, our call for consumers if they are not getting the value for the service that they paid for, their option is to downgrade their plan according to the speed that they are getting and using, which can be tested. Right now our country is limited with options, considering the duopoly but you can claim refund instead of stressing over the speed. Customers should be able to get the option tor refund or downgrade their plan, based on their average speed.”

LKI President Atty. Vic Dimagiba said in the interview “another situation is the prepaid, in which they can call for mutual termination of contracts. If you have a unit of a telephone for example, that you paid for the lockup period, and you have no means of making money or working, through the impact of COVID, they can give you the opportuity to stagger the loans or the payment that you still have to pay. These companies also owe money to the manufacturers or third party suppliers so they also have to settle their accounts, thus consumers can ask for staggered payment. For example, they can extend or even give the option to cancel your plans. Prepaid also depends on speed, with phones and with internet. We encrouage consumers to say, if they have issues with the providers, to say that LKI has sugested these options. But the providers during the ECQ did not collect, and now they are allowing and giving space for staggered or installment plant.”

LKI said “regarding gyms, if consumers are not able to pay or are stuck also in lockup period, even if the gyms open, it is still scary and risky to attend. These consumers also have paid for plans for their gym accounts. Even if you are a member, you still pay for actual usage. Cash flow is important, so these gyms should offer discounts and remove the expiry dates, or the lockin period. They can let the membes continue using, because these gyms also need the users and customers so that they can continue making use and availing the gym. Gym owners will lose if they lose their customers, so all options must be taken to keep the customer base. These gym owners can be more considerate to the users, and give a discount and waive the expiry dates. This is a win win situation, so right now is not the time to cut people off from their programs or packages. We can help both sides, the consumer and the owner, with this case and list of solutions for their welfare.”