Zimbabwe bans bulk SMSs until after elections

The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority has reportedly banned bulk text messages from international gateways until after the July 31 poll.

Media and information project Kubatana.net confirmed the development yesterday adding that it had over the years sent bulk messages without any restrictions "..We have been informed by Econet that their regulator Potraz, has issued a directive blocking the delivery of bulk messages.." Kubatana.net said.

Kubatana.net believes Potraz is acting unconstitutionally and will be contacting Potraz and the Ministry of Transport about this issue and said Zimbabweans have a right to receive and impact information as enshrined in the Constitution's guarantee of the freedom of expression.