diff --git a/ur_robot_driver/resources/ros_control.urscript b/ur_robot_driver/resources/ros_control.urscript
index 742dc3f5d..eaa594e36 100644
--- a/ur_robot_driver/resources/ros_control.urscript
+++ b/ur_robot_driver/resources/ros_control.urscript
@@ -109,7 +109,6 @@ textmsg("ExternalControl: External control active")
 keepalive = params_mult[1]
 while keepalive > 0 and control_mode > MODE_STOPPED:
   enter_critical
-  socket_send_line(1, "reverse_socket")
   params_mult = socket_read_binary_integer(1+6+1, "reverse_socket", 0.02) # steptime could work as well, but does not work in simulation
   if params_mult[0] > 0:
     keepalive = params_mult[1]