Banning calls in messengers will hit users and businesses

The restriction of voice calls on Telegram and WhatsApp* could affect not only private users but also businesses, including telecom companies. According to experts interviewed by Telesputnik’s editor, Internet service providers are already recording an increase in complaints about the services, while the new national messenger is not yet capable of providing similar functionality.

Why it is unprofitable for operators

The blocking of calls in popular messengers became known on August 11. The media, citing sources, reported that this happened at the request of telecom operators. However, according to Eldar Murtazin, a leading analyst at Mobile Research Group, this version is unlikely.

“This is a disadvantageous story for telecom operators, because for many years they have invested money in developing the quality of services, including those related to Telegram. If we talk about the actions of the Russian Federal Communications Service, they are currently unmotivated,” the expert said.

The negative effect was also felt by call centers of Internet providers, said Oleg Grishchenko, president of the Rosteleset association.

“If we talk about broadband Internet access providers, there is no benefit, so far only a flood of complaints about the degradation of the quality of messengers as an additional burden on call centers, we have to explain that Internet providers have no influence on messengers,” he explained.

Problems for people with disabilities

According to Un Certain Regard, WhatsApp* is widely used by people with visual impairments due to features that allow them to record and listen to voice messages, as well as make calls.

Eldar Murtazin emphasizes that banning calls could make life especially difficult for this audience:

“Currently, the only messenger that allows them to comfortably communicate and integrate into their lives is WhatsApp*. Unfortunately, the call ban puts an end to that. We’ll have to find workarounds and use it. No one has thought of this side of the issue.”

Alternatives remain weak

According to experts, domestic messengers are not yet able to fully replace foreign services for voice communication.

“Domestic platforms have not gained the necessary popularity and do not provide the necessary services. If there are alternatives for videoconferencing, but for making calls, users return to using traditional cellular communication,” – said Oleg Grishchenko.

Now only T2 (Tele2) offers an unlimited tariff for the national messenger MAX. MTS, Beeline and Megafon do not have this option.

Official position and reaction of platforms

Roskomnadzor attributed the partial blocking of calls to the fight against fraudsters. Telegram responded by saying that it deletes suspicious accounts on a daily basis as part of its crackdown on online crime.

Telegram’s response is that it is removing suspicious accounts on a daily basis.

* Belongs to Meta, which is recognized as an extremist organization in Russia and its activities are banned.