TRAI exempts computer-based SMSes from daily cap

By Kul Bhushan | Updated on 27-Jan-2012

27-Jan-2012

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has exempted text messages borne by computers or sent to it from the daily SMS restriction that the body had imposed to curb pesky telemarketers. The exemption is considered to be a major respite for the business houses and various service providers. The TRAI took the decision after consulting the business houses and other stake holders.

“TRAI has received representations from the stakeholders that in view of the limit of 200 SMSes per day per SIM, they are not able to send machine-to-machine and person-to-machine SMSes, which are sent by them to initiate processes or applications for their operational requirements ,” TRAI advisor A Robert J Ravi said in a statement.

The services that will be benefited from the exemption include providing details of drivers or taxis after booking radio taxis, date of delivery of goods, tentative date of addressing complaints, the contact details of the official dealing with the complaint and conditions likewise. The regulatory body also pointed out that it has issued a directive in which it has categorised information that will be exempted from the SMS limit.

The telcom ministry cracked down on pesky telemarketers last year by imposing a 100 SMSes per day SIM restriction. However, the bar was raised to 200 SMSes per day. The telecom regulator body, meanwhile, has been striving hard to improve customer service. The TRAI recently directed the telcos to provide call, SMS and data usage details to the pre-paid customers.

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