Batelco, the leading telecom service provider in Bahrain, has blocked a premium SMS code for sending text messages, which was being used improperly by a TV channel without Batelco's consent, the company said.

Investigations revealed that the SMS code in question is assigned to an external service provider who according to contract terms must obtain Batelco's permission prior to each use of the code.

However, on this occasion the company didn't seek the required permission and provided the codes to the TV channel without Batelco's consent.

The service provider has been asked to take immediate action on the matter, a Batelco statement said.

Batelco reserves all its legal rights under the contract or otherwise in relation to this incident, it said.

A full investigation into the matter will be launched, added the statement. – TradeArabia News Service