The Ministry of Information and Communications has fined 30 enterprises for violating telecommunications and information technology regulations in 2014. — Photo vnreview.vn

HA NOI (Biz Hub) — The Ministry of Information and Communications has fined 30 enterprises a total amount of VND1.665 billion (more than US$79,000) for violating telecommunications and information technology (IT) regulations in 2014.

Among these firms, 20 were fined for delivering spam and scam messages as well as text messages related to gambling and superstition. In addition, these firms failed to provide the telecommunications services promised to the consumers. The companies did not submit telecom prices to the state's management agency. They also neglected to publicise prices for the customers. A few were fined for providing unlicensed online games, or operating as unregistered online social networks.

Vietnet Media JSC, VNN Media JSC and Smart Media JSC were meted out the highest fines of VND100 million ($4,760) each. Smart Media JSC alone was fined for sending advertising messages on gambling via service numbers 9988 and 9242. The company also failed to provide information on the prices, which required customers to call its service number, 19006050, to obtain such information.

Six firms, including Ngoc Vinh Services and Commercial JSC and Vuong Phat Telecom Development JSC, were fined VND70 million (more than $3,300) each for sending texts about gambling. — VNS