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July 31, 2024

SMS Bypass to Messengers: How to Avoid Revenue Loss and Protect Customers from Risks

SMS Bypass to Messengers: How to Avoid Revenue Loss and Protect Customers from Risks

We live in a world of instant communication, and more than 23 billion text messages are sent worldwide every day. In recent years, the popularity of OTT (Over-The-Top) messaging with apps like WhatsApp, Viber, Telegram, Instagram, and Facebook Messenger has been growing rapidly. You might be wondering, what’s the big deal? For businesses, this is really a great way to contact customers through the apps where they spend a lot of time. But for mobile network operators, OTT messages pose serious challenges, risks, and financial problems.

What Are OTT Messages?

OTT (Over-The-Top) messages are those we send over the internet using applications. According to Statista, the most popular instant messaging apps in the world right now are WhatsApp, Viber, Telegram, WeChat, and Facebook Messenger.

One of the key advantages of OTT messaging services is their low cost or complete lack of fees for sending messages. It’s a hit with users, offering great convenience and perks. Moreover, these applications often offer additional features such as voice and video calls, file sharing, and group chats. That’s why these communication channels are all the rage.

But on the flip side, these apps operate on top of the existing internet infrastructure, bypassing traditional communication channels provided by mobile network operators, such as SMS.

Ok, So What’s the Problem with OTT/SMS?

The catch? Mobile network operators are losing out on revenue. Since OTT messages are transmitted over the internet, operators cannot control this traffic and, accordingly, do not receive revenue from these messages. SMS bypass leads to significant financial losses as free OTT services are used instead of traditional SMS.

Let’s break down the stats and figures:

  • According to Juniper Research, OTT messaging traffic will reach 375 billion messages by 2028, compared to 100 billion messages in 2023.
  • Global telecom operators will lose $3.1 billion in messaging revenue over the next five years due to OTT messaging channels.

Moreover, lost revenue is not the only risk. OTT traffic is uncontrolled, which means we are guaranteed to face security issues, data leaks, and fraud cases.

SMS Messages Is The Most Proven Communication Channel

Thinking SMS is ancient history? That’s the biggest misconception we need to clear up. This communication channel still remains the most reliable, secure, and proven. This is confirmed by the latest global research. For example, according to the Singapore Consumer Engagement Report 2023, SMS is the preferred platform for sending one-time passwords for 79% of consumers. This communication channel is also the best choice for notifications about bank transfers (76%) and appointments (72%).

Here’s the easy logic:

  • SMS messages are available to 100% of mobile device users.
  • They do not depend on internet connectivity.
  • They are inclusively integrated into the behavioral patterns of most people.

In contrast, OTT messaging services operate in a gray area, are under the jurisdiction of private entities, are not subject to regulatory oversight, and do not report changes in internal policies.

Don’t Lose Revenue — Implement Reliable Solutions from TelcoGuard

To avoid revenue losses and maintain the security of your customers, use modern solutions from TelcoGuard that will help effectively combat SMS bypass, provide SMS testing, monitor and manage traffic by SMS Firewall and advanced DPI-based solutions, detect and prevent fraud. Today, SMS Testing is the best way to improve the quality of SMS messages, identify and prevent problems associated with SMS bypass and the use of OTT services, maintain control of traffic, and minimize financial losses. These tools will help you protect your interests, increase revenue, and provide your customers with a reliable and secure service.

Contact us to find out what solutions TelcoGuard can offer for your company.