Background on Altán and A2P Text Message Aggregators
Altán Redes, a Mexican telecommunications operator, is reportedly hindering companies that specialize in A2P (Application-to-Person) text message services. These businesses focus on sending automated text messages for tasks such as transaction authentication and fraud prevention. Japifon, one of these companies, has raised concerns about Altán’s actions.
Altán’s Alleged Obstructive Measures
Japifon claims that Altán prioritizes other types of messaging and telecommunications services over A2P text messages, effectively degrading the reputation of these brands among their business partners and end-users. Furthermore, Altán has been accused of violating interconnection agreements related to this business niche, despite regulation by the Federal Telecommunications Institute (IFT).
Who is Japifon?
Japifon is a company that offers mass text message services to third-party businesses. They have experienced difficulties due to Altán’s alleged obstructive practices, as well as those of traditional telecommunications companies like Telefónica Movistar and AT&T. However, Japifon acknowledges that Telcel has not engaged in such practices.
The Rise of A2P Text Messages in Mexico
A2P text messages are short automated messages generated by computer systems, increasingly used for consumer identity verification and online purchase confirmations. In Mexico, A2P messages have gained popularity over traditional “P2P” text messages.
- Mexico sends and receives 1.2 billion text messages monthly for transaction authentication and identity verification.
- The majority of these messages (98%) traverse the networks of Telcel, Telefónica, and AT&T.
Market Dynamics and Regulatory Involvement
Traditional telecommunications companies are reportedly concerned about losing business potential as new entrants like Japifon enter the market. The IFT and its successor, the Agency for Digital Transformation and Telecommunications, have held seven meetings in the past year and a half to address disputes related to A2P messaging services.
In June 2024, the IFT initiated an investigation into potential monopolistic practices in the A2P messaging termination traffic short message service business, filing case AI/DE-002-2024.
Key Questions and Answers
- What are A2P text messages? A2P (Application-to-Person) text messages are automated, short messages generated by computer systems for tasks such as transaction authentication and fraud prevention.
- Who is Japifon? Japifon is a company that provides mass text message services to other businesses, facing challenges due to Altán’s alleged obstructive practices.
- What actions has Altán taken against A2P aggregators? Altán is accused of prioritizing other messaging services, degrading A2P brand reputations, and violating interconnection agreements related to this business niche.
- Why are traditional telecom companies concerned? Traditional telecoms fear losing business potential as new entrants like Japifon enter the A2P messaging market.
- What regulatory bodies are involved? The Federal Telecommunications Institute (IFT) and its successor, the Agency for Digital Transformation and Telecommunications, are addressing disputes related to A2P messaging services.
