For more than two decades, Monty Mobile has been a global leader in telecom innovation, partnering with operators, global enterprises, hyperscalers and financial institutions to power connectivity, drive forward-looking technologies, and scale digital transformation. Today, the company’s capabilities are further strengthened by advanced AI-driven platforms that analyze data in real time, detect anomalies, and protect operators against emerging threats with exceptional precision. Beyond protection, Monty Mobile also plays a pivotal role in connectivity and monetization, enabling operators to optimize traffic, protect margins, and fully capitalize on the value of their network infrastructure
As the A2P SMS ecosystem undergoes a critical reset—driven by evolving enterprise priorities, intensifying fraud threats, and shifting global pricing models—Monty Mobile is decisively shaping the industry’s future. Breaking away from revenue-only strategies, Monty Mobile champions a trust-first model that rebuilds the fragile alliance between OTTs and operators. Through a commitment to predictability, sustainability, and long-term resilience, Monty Mobile is not just responding to change, they are leading it.
In this exclusive interview, Monty Mobile CEO Hassan Mansour addresses the billion-dollar question head-on: Can trust in A2P messaging truly be rebuilt? He reveals why confidence has collapsed across the messaging chain, how operators have lost billions in revenue, and what networks must do to restore the value and trust once taken for granted. With bold vision and decisive strategy, Mansour shows how Monty Mobile is not just responding to the crisis but reshaping the future of messaging itself.
Q: The A2P SMS market has shifted dramatically in recent years. What is driving this change?
Mansour: Yes, the past two years have been hectic. Market revenues dropped and the reasons are well known to anyone active in this industry. The real question is: who is ready to take action?
Despite this reality, guess what, many operators continue to demand higher revenues year after year that companies simply cannot, and will not, accept. At the same time, AIT has escalated dramatically, with annual payments for OTP traffic multiplying and forcing OTTs to either halt services on certain networks or shift to alternative channels.
The consequences of this were immediate: in some markets, A2P traffic collapsed to staggering degrees. This is a wake-up call. Correction is no longer optional.
Q: The drop you described seems quite substantial. Should operators interpret this as the end of A2P revenues?
Mansour: No, absolutely not. We don’t think operators should give up. On the contrary, this is the moment to rethink and reset. If they do not, their target revenues will never materialize. We consistently encourage operators to adjust their strategy, because with the right approach, A2P can stabilize, and even recover. Again, correction is no longer optional.
Q: What corrective strategy does Monty Mobile recommend for operators looking to rebuild A2P performance?
Mansour: The first and most important step is for operators to acknowledge that the market has changed. The strictly revenue-driven approach that worked years ago is the problem. Relying on newcomers who provide false promises and short-term gains has only accelerated AIT and driven OTTs away.
The path forward requires a reset. Operators should offer competitive, even long-term discounted rates to key brands to bring them back to SMS as their main authentication channel; cut ties with Tier 2/3 partners who fuel AIT; and align with partners who have direct agreements with big international corporations capable of delivering clean traffic and a long-term recovery plan.
To cut it short, stop chasing inflated revenue targets and choose the partner who can actually help you regain and retain A2P revenue before it’s too late.
Q: Have you implemented this strategy with any operators, and were you successful?
Mansour: Yes, we’ve implemented this strategy across several markets, with undeniable success. In one case, working with an exclusive partner in Africa, we offered a 60% rate discount to a major OTT to meet their target rate. By implementing this strategy, the OTT redirected its traffic back to SMS, driving a 700% surge in message volumes.
More importantly, this translated to an 80%+ increase in total revenues, proving that aligning with OTT expectations not only restores traffic but significantly enhances profitability for the operator.
Q: AIT and route abuse have become central industry concerns. How is AIT impacting the SMS ecosystem?
Mansour: When OTTs detect inflated or manipulated traffic, they simply switch off. They suspend OTP delivery to that specific operator, even while other networks in the same market remain fully active. This creates an immediate trust deficit that is extremely difficult to repair.
The damage runs deeper than many operators realize. Once OTTs lose confidence in a network, they react decisively. They begin exploring, and in some cases publicly endorsing, alternative channels. Just look at recent moves: Elon Musk halted SMS use for X due to AIT, and Google has implemented restrictions on SMS OTPs for operators and destinations flagged for AIT.
Q: What is the single most important message you want operators to hear today?
Mansour: A2P isn’t disappearing, it’s resetting. And unless operators rethink how they monetize international A2P, they risk being left behind. Those who embrace transparency, sustainable pricing, and trusted partnerships will lead the next chapter.
What sets Monty Mobile apart is our ability to combine advanced technology with strong, genuine OTT relationships, and a strategy built for long-term stability. We work hand in hand with MNOs in a transparent way to ensure that everyone benefits.
Let me be clear: Monty Mobile is ready to pay one billion dollars to operators if the traffic revenues promised by some players in the market are real — not inflated or unrealistic. But they aren’t, and we all know it.
Q: Finally, what does the future look like for Monty Mobile?
Mansour: Our focus is clear: shaping the future of how the world connects and communicates.
We will continue investing in AI, automation, and advanced analytics to help operators manage complexity, prevent fraud, and improve performance in real time. At the same time, we will strengthen our relationships with enterprises, MNOs and OTTs, enabling them to engage customers more effectively and grow in a competitive digital environment.
Our objective is simple: to remain a trusted partner, lead the evolution of global connectivity, and help shape the next chapter of digital communication worldwide.
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