Lebanon, known for its deep history, tasty food, and lively traditions, has a new problem. People are getting upset about too many unwanted texts, mostly from big telecoms like Touch and Alfa.

Let’s give these companies a nod for their dedication. If they can’t offer great internet or top deals, they make up for it by filling our screens with non-stop messages.

Thank you, Touch and Alfa, for ensuring that our phones are never, ever quiet.

**The Telecom Reach: An Intrusion or Service?
**It’s a common experience shared by many:

the phone buzzes, leading one to expect a personal message, but it’s just another promotional offer from Touch or Alfa.

Touch and Alfa don’t just send notifications to update users on offers. They make money by sending many promotional messages to their customers.

When profit takes precedence over customer convenience and satisfaction, such practices enter unethical territory.

**Legal Implications & Global Norms
**Worldwide, there are clear rules about the difference between ads and invading privacy.

For example, Europe’s GDPR has strict rules to protect user privacy.

Lebanon might have looser regulations, but Touch and Alfa’s actions could still invade user privacy.

A 2022 study showed that Lebanese users get 3-5 promo texts every day. It’s not the world’s highest, but it could lead to legal issues if not checked.

**Behind the Scenes: The Business Model of Touch and Alfa
**It’s not just Touch and Alfa’s fault. In telecom, companies work with others for ads. These partners pay big telecoms to spread their ads to more people.

However, it’s essential to acknowledge the ethical dimension of business practices, especially in the realm of SMS marketing.

Both big telecoms and their partners should put user permission first.

Instead of sending many unwanted ads, the right way is to ask users first and only message those interested.

Such practices not only enhance user experience but also promote trust and credibility in the long run.

**Ethical Considerations in SMS Marketing: The Case of Touch and Alfa
**In the world of digital marketing, ethical responsibility cannot be overstated.

For big names like Touch and Alfa, using SMS marketing highlights this duty even more.

While it’s a strong way to reach customers, there’s a fine line between good messaging and annoying spam.

Many users say Touch and Alfa send too many unwanted messages, which counts as spam. The right way to do SMS marketing is to let users choose to get promo messages. This respects their choice and privacy.

Both Touch and Alfa, as leading telecom providers, have a duty to ensure their SMS marketing strategies are transparent, user-centric, and devoid of spammy practices.

It’s not only about following laws but also about treating every customer with respect and value.

By aligning their strategies with ethical guidelines, Touch and Alfa can ensure that their SMS marketing campaigns are both effective and respectful.

**Conclusion: Towards a Respectful Digital Landscape
**As Lebanon dives deeper into the digital world, big players like Touch and Alfa need to keep up with changing digital rules. By respecting users’ limits, they can stay key players in the country’s telecom field.

Originally published at https://soufan.me/digital-marketing/touch-and-alfa-the-sms-spam-symphony-in-lebanon/ on October 30, 2023.