A recent policy change by Telegram has introduced a new step for users in certain countries when registering for the popular messaging app: a mandatory payment to cover SMS verification costs, which also includes a one-week subscription to Telegram Premium. This development has particularly affected users of virtual numbers and has been implemented by Telegram to offset the high cost of sending SMS verification codes in specific regions.
The move is a direct response to what Telegram describes as significantly inflated SMS costs charged by mobile operators in some countries. Citing prices that can be up to 30 times higher than in other regions, Telegram has implemented this fee to ensure the sustainability of its user verification process. This policy is a global initiative from Telegram and is not within the control of third-party services that provide virtual numbers.
By subscribing to Telegram Premium, users gain access to extra functionalities that are not available in the free version.
The Challenge: A Paywall for Registration
Users attempting to register a new Telegram account with a phone number from an affected country may be met with a payment prompt. This fee covers the cost of the outgoing SMS and automatically enrolls the user in a one-week trial of Telegram Premium. While this ensures the delivery of the verification code, it presents a challenge for those who wish to create an account without incurring a charge.
The primary reasons behind this change include:
- High SMS Costs: In some countries, mobile carriers impose exorbitant fees for automated SMS messages, making it economically challenging for Telegram to absorb these costs for every new user.
- Combating Spam and Bot Farms: The previous system was susceptible to abuse by bot farms that would endlessly request SMS codes, further driving up costs for Telegram. The introduction of a fee acts as a deterrent to such activities.
Navigating the New Policy: What Are the Solutions?
For users encountering this new registration fee, several potential workarounds and solutions have emerged from the user community:
- Utilizing Different Virtual Number Providers: Some users have reported success by trying Telegram virtual numbers from different service providers or choosing numbers from countries that are not affected by this policy. The effectiveness of this method can vary, as Telegram’s list of impacted countries is not public and may change.
- Exploring Older App Versions (With Caution): Some anecdotal evidence suggests that older versions of the Telegram X client might still use an older verification method that bypasses the payment requirement. However, this is not a guaranteed solution, and using outdated software can pose security risks.
- The Peer-to-Peer Login (P2PL) Program: Telegram has introduced a “Peer-to-Peer Login Program” in some regions. This program allows users to volunteer their phone number to relay OTPs to other users in exchange for a Telegram Premium subscription. While this can be a way to obtain Premium features without direct payment, it comes with significant privacy considerations, as the recipient of the OTP will see the volunteer’s phone number.
- Contacting Telegram Support: While not a direct solution, users who believe they are being charged unfairly or have other legitimate reasons for not being able to pay can try contacting Telegram’s support team to explain their situation.
- Purchasing a Short-Term Premium Subscription: For users who need immediate access and are willing to pay, the most straightforward solution is to proceed with the payment for the one-week Premium subscription. This guarantees the reception of the verification code and allows for the successful creation of the account.
As Telegram continues to refine its policies to balance user growth with operational costs, users will need to adapt to these new measures. Understanding the reasons behind this change and exploring the available options can help in successfully navigating the registration process.
By subscribing to Telegram Premium, users gain access to extra functionalities that are not available in the free version.