“Layer7 based security can filter content of SMS and MMS. Based on certain algorithms and key words, undesired SMS and MMS can be blocked from moving in network. Instead of banning SMS and MMS, the government could have asked operators to install this level of security. Due to this inefficiency in network, the whole enterprise messaging solution (EMS) industry is suffering,” said Vinay Aggarwal, founder and managing director, Unicel Technologies in an interaction with CIOL.

Aggarwal pointed out that security solution installed in network can only track SMS and MMS on the basis of ID but are incapable of filtering content.

“I agree that the government has taken the step in the right direction but banning SMS and MMS should not be adopted as the only remedy. The government should ask for upgrading of security in telecom networks. This time we will absorb cost but it cannot be a viable solution in the long run,” said Aggarwal.

Aggarwal mentioned that his company does a business of Rs. 10 lakh to Rs. 15 lakh per day and due to this ban the company is incurring loss on daily basis.

“Leave our woes. This step taken by the government can damage the whole EMS industry. Today thousands of enterprises depend on SMS to send mission-critical alerts to their respective stake holders. If this is going to continue, then the enterprise will start looking at alternative methods for communicating with their stakeholders. This may wipe out the entire EMS industry,” said Aggarwal.

Aggarwal estimated daily losses of EMS industry to be in the tune of Rs. 2.5 crore

The ban imposed by government means that both peer to peer (P2P) and application to peer (A2P) messaging services should be stopped.

To check whether the ban is working or not, this correspondent tried sending SMS to a group of people, which falls under P2P category, and found that all SMS were delivered to the respective people. This raises questions on the implementation and execution of government orders by telecom service providers. Government should note that anti-social elements do not work and get registered like an enterprise.

Government of India has imposed ban on bulk SMS and MMS service to avoid any kind of obnoxious activity of anti-social elements that may disrupt peace. This ban was earlier imposed till September 25 but has now been extended till September 30, 2010.