DOJ: 'Unli' means unli

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Justice (DOJ) warned the telecommunications companies not to mislead subscribers with unlimited Internet packages on Friday.

"While there is nothing wrong with advertisements and promotions, what is promised must be delivered," Justice Secretary Leila De Lima said.

There have been increasing complaints from subscribers noting that there are certain restrictions on unlimited surfing offers.

Last Tuesday, the DOJ released an advisory for telecommunications operators regarding unlimited Internet offers. 

The advisory stated that telecommunications companies started implementing a fair usage policy where Internet connection becomes throttled when usage reaches a certain volume of data.

"Unlimited data is like unlimited rice or buffet concept - restaurants cannot offer an 'eat all you can' promo and when a customer eats more than the average person, to actually stop him or not to honor the commitment," DOJ Assistant Secretary Geronimo Sy said.

According to the DOJ, the advisary was issued to protect consumers from from fraudulent business practices and to promote transparency and accountability in markets.