Airtel Network Flags 8 Billion Spam Calls and 0.8 Billion Spam SMSes: Report

Telecom operator Bharti Airtel has flagged 8 billion spam calls and 0.8 billion spam SMSes within two and a half months. The network operator flagged these spam calls and messages via its AI-powered, spam-fighting solution. The company informed in a release about identifying 1 million spammers every day, including 6% of spam calls, and 2% of SMSes on the Airtel Network.

Earlier in November, the telecom operator identified 682 million suspected spam calls and 46 million spam SMS in its Karnataka network with the help of its AI-based Airtel Spam Fighting Network. The spam calls and SMSes were identified immediately after 63 days of launching its AI-powered spam-fighting network. Additionally, it has been noticed that a staggering 35% of the spammers are using landlines.

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India asked all the telecom operators to take major actions against SPAM calls, messages, and SMSes. The government authority asked telecom regulators to comply with the direction regarding the whitelisting of URLs, APKs, and OTT links. The report further states that the maximum number of users receiving SPAM calls are from Delhi, Andhra Pradesh, and Western Uttar Pradesh. If we talk about SMSes, then the maximum number of users receiving SPAM SMSes are from Gujarat followed by Kolkatta and Gujarat.

The data further illustrates the age bracket that receives the maximum number of SPAM calls and SMSes. The age bracket of 36-60 is said to receive 48% of SPAM calls. However, the age bracket of 26-35 years is the second most targeted with 26% of receiving spam calls. Only 8% of the senior citizen receives spam calls. As per the report, 76% of all spam calls have been targeted at male customers.

The spam call commence from the 9 AM and escalates as the day progresses. The peek of spam calls and SMSes are observed between 12 PM to 3 PM.