SMS are free also, but, the networks see them as a cash cow. Why letting users receive them for free when they can charge them 16 cents each? Example faq: https://www.windtre.it/come-faccio-per/cosa-sono-e-quanto-costano-gli-sms-bancari

And the same for the banks. They say “ah we need to buy the most premium finest quality priority service in order to let you get them as soon as possible” and charge the user 30 cents each. So, 30+16

A double scam