Telecom operators are raising concerns over a sharp fall in critical banking SMS traffic, saying message volumes linked to major public sector banks have dropped significantly. According to the operators, these are the kinds of alerts that are normally expected to move through regulated telecom infrastructure.
The reported decline is substantial, with operators seeing a 50% to 80% dip in such traffic. That has led to allegations that some telemarketers may be using alternative routes outside the standard regulated framework in an effort to reduce costs.
For telecom companies, the issue is not just about lower volumes. It also touches on compliance, monitoring and the integrity of banking communications, especially when messages involve important customer alerts. Critical banking SMS delivery is generally expected to follow prescribed channels, making any sudden shift a matter of concern for the industry.
The development highlights growing tension around how application-to-person messaging is being handled between banks, telecom networks and third-party service providers. With operators pointing to unusual traffic patterns across public sector banks, the focus is now on whether regulated SMS delivery norms are being consistently followed.
