Airtel launches India's first AI-powered network solution for SPAM detection

Indian telecom giant Airtel has launched what it claims to be India's first network-based, AI-powered spam detection solution, aimed at significantly reducing spam calls and messages for its customers.

This first-of-its-kind solution from a telecom provider in the country will alert users in real-time to suspected spam calls and SMS messages.

Notably, the service is free of charge and will be automatically activated for all Airtel customers, with no need for them to raise a service request or download an app.

Bharti Airtel CEO comments

Gopal Vittal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Bharti Airtel, said, “Spam has become a menace for customers. We have spent the last twelve months to solve this comprehensively. Today marks a milestone as we launch the country’s first AI-powered spam-free network that will shield our customers from the continuous onslaught of intrusive and unwanted communications”.

“Designed as a dual-layer protection, the solution has two filters – one at the network layer and the second at the IT systems layer. Every call and SMS passes through this dual-layered AI shield. In 2 milliseconds, our solution processes 1.5 billion messages and 2.5 billion calls every day. This is equivalent to processing 1 trillion records on a real-time basis using the power of AI."

"Our solution has been able to successfully identify 100 million potential spam calls and 3 million spam SMSes originating every day. For us, keeping our customers secure is a burning priority.” Vittal added.

Using proprietary algorithm

Developed in-house by Airtel’s team of data scientists, the AI-powered solution uses a proprietary algorithm to identify and label calls and SMS messages as "Suspected SPAM." The system analyzes various factors in real time, such as the caller or sender's behavior, call and SMS frequency, and call duration.

By comparing this data with known spam patterns, it accurately flags suspicious calls and messages.

Airtel said that the solution also alerts customers to malicious links received via SMS. The company has created a centralized database of blacklisted URLs, and every SMS is scanned in real time to warn customers before they accidentally click on harmful links.

Additionally, the system can detect unusual activity, like frequent changes in a device's IMEI number, which is often a sign of fraudulent behavior. Through these layers of protection, Airtel aims to offer its customers maximum defense against the growing threat of spam and fraud.