If WhatsApp is blocked, do SMS arrive - briefly?
If WhatsApp is blocked, SMS messages can still be received. This is because SMS operates on a different protocol than WhatsApp and does not rely on internet connectivity in the same way.
If WhatsApp is blocked, do SMS arrive - in detail?
If WhatsApp is blocked, the arrival of Short Message Service (SMS) messages depends on several factors. Blocking WhatsApp typically involves restricting access to the application or its servers at the network level. This blockage can be implemented by Internet service providers (ISPs), mobile carriers, or government authorities through various methods such as Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) or IP blocking.
When WhatsApp is blocked, standard SMS messages are generally unaffected because they operate on a different protocol and network infrastructure from WhatsApp's data-based communication. SMS messages use the Signaling System No. 7 (SS7) network, which is part of the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), whereas WhatsApp relies on Internet Protocol (IP) to transmit messages, voice calls, and multimedia content.
However, there are scenarios where SMS delivery might be disrupted:
- Network Congestion: If the blockage of WhatsApp leads to increased usage of alternative communication methods like SMS, network congestion can occur. This congestion may delay or prevent SMS messages from being delivered promptly.
- Carrier Policies: In some cases, mobile carriers might implement policies that restrict certain types of messaging services during periods of high traffic or when specific applications are blocked. These policies could potentially affect the delivery of SMS messages.
- Regional Restrictions: Certain regions may experience broader internet censorship or communication restrictions, which can extend to SMS services. In such cases, both WhatsApp and SMS might be impacted.
- Technical Issues: If the network infrastructure experiences technical issues due to the increased load from users switching to SMS after WhatsApp is blocked, it could temporarily affect SMS delivery.
In summary, while the blocking of WhatsApp does not directly prevent SMS messages from arriving, there are indirect factors that can influence the reliability and timeliness of SMS delivery under such conditions.