MTS has launched a free "Reject Bulk SMS" service to help users block advertisements, promotional messages and other bulk SMS. The service is available to all tariff plans on MTS's Russian network. Once activated by a user, the operator will block identifiable bulk SMS to reduce disruptions caused by spam and unsolicited commercial communications.
This service does not only filter advertising messages — it may block nearly all bulk-sent SMS. MTS explicitly reminds users that they will still receive critical messages from Russia's government services platform Gosuslugi and the Ministry of Emergency Situations (EMERCOM) after activation, but bank notifications, payment confirmations, one-time passwords (OTP), courier reminders, merchant order updates and other common service SMS may also fail to be delivered. Before activating the service, users should assess whether they rely on SMS for login, transaction authentication and service confirmation.
The service is free of charge, but its effectiveness depends on the operator's technical ability to identify bulk SMS. Some enterprises may use the same sending channel for both service SMS and marketing messages, meaning that after users activate full bulk SMS rejection, there is no way to distinguish and retain important notifications. Therefore, enterprises should gradually use distinct sender IDs or routes for marketing messages, OTP, account security alerts, order updates and emergency notifications, to avoid users losing access to essential business communications when they opt out of advertising.
If users find they are unable to receive bank OTP or critical notifications, they can disable this restriction service via MTS's personal account, mobile app or customer service. After deactivation, the operator will resume delivery of bulk SMS within the specified time frame. Users may also consider alternative channels such as bank app push notifications, authenticator apps, email or voice calls to improve the reach of critical services.
This service reflects Russia's regulatory trend of strengthening users' right to reject bulk SMS starting from 2025. For users, it provides a quick option to reduce spam; for enterprises, it requires clearer differentiation between consented service messages and marketing communications that users are entitled to reject.
