DoT bans transmission of bulk SMS 48 hrs prior to polling

Delhi Election Commission has directed all mobile service providers to stop ‘political’ bulk SMSs 48 hours before the Assembly election to ensure that parties do not influence voters during this period.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has asked all mobile operators to prohibit transmission of bulk SMSs between 2 December (5 pm) and 4 December (5 pm).

In a recent notification to mobile operators, DoT has also asked the operators to monitor and give details of bulk SMSs (more than 100) of political nature transmitted during campaigning period for the general election of Delhi Legislative Assembly.

Operators are also asked to strictly monitor bulk or abnormal purchase of SIM cards. Operators are also asked to keep a strict vigil on abnormal recharges and calls and report the same to the DoT.