'1.37 lakh connections shut off for making pesky calls, SMSes'

The government has disconnected around 1.37 lakh telecom connections for sending pesky SMS and calls through them, Parliament was informed today.

"Government/TRAI has been aware that several calls and SMSs are emanated from private/ individual numbers who have not not registered with TRAI as a telemarketer...notices have been issued to 1,48,095 subscribers and resources of 1,37,052 subscribers have been disconnected," Minister of State for Communications and IT Milind Deora said in the reply.

As per Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) regulations, only registered telemarketers can send or make marketing SMS or calls to subscribers who have opted for receiving such communication.

The Minister said that as on November 29, 2012, there were 2,830 telemarketers registered with TRAI.

Till November 27, 2012, around 786 complaints were received by government related to pesky SMS and calls.