Throughout this post, I will explain the various aspects associated with SMSCs. So, let’s get started! 

What is a Short Message Service Center (SMSC)?

SMSC Meaning: An SMSC, i.e., Short Message Service Center, is an intermediary unit in the mobile telephone network that handles SMS-related operations. It is responsible for storing, forwarding, converting, and delivering SMS messages. In other words, we can say that an SMSC performs the job of routing SMS messages between senders and recipients. This means that whenever a text message is sent, it is first received by the SMSC, which then forwards it to the intended recipient. 

Insight: An SMSC is also called an SMS Center, Message Center, Text Message Center, etc. 

If the recipient device is unavailable, the SMSC temporarily stores the message for a certain period and forwards it when the recipient becomes available. There are certain scenarios when SMSCs temporarily store text messages in a dedicated space. The most common instances are:

1. When the recipient’s device is switched off, SMSC stores the message for a specific time 
2. When message traffic is at its peak, then the SMSC stores the message and queues it until ready for delivery   
3. Messages that are scheduled, such as campaigns, are stored by SMSCs and released at the specified time

Once the SMSC finds that the recipient’s device is available again, the message will be resent. After the defined period, the message gets deleted and will no longer be available for dispatch to the recipient, even if their device is available. 

But that’s not all. There’s a lot more happening at the backend that supports SMSCs in their working. Here you go:

It is important to understand that SMSCs are the backbone of the SMS delivery process within a telecom network, and they don’t directly interact with businesses or applications. That’s where SMS gateways and SMS platforms come in. An SMS Gateway is like a bridge between business applications such as a CRM and the telecom infrastructure. These Gateways take messages from apps or software and pass them on to the SMSCs, which then deliver them to the recipients. 

Modern SMS platforms bundle together multiple gateways, analytics, automation, and campaign tools. If you’re sending SMS from a platform or marketing tool, you’re already using a gateway that connects to an SMSC. 

What Types of Messages Are Handled By SMSCs?

SMSCs primarily handle text messages composed of up to 160 characters. These messages can include various types of content such as:

SMSCs primarily handle text messages composed of up to 160 characters. These messages can include various types of content, such as:

• Person-to-Person (P2P) Messages

We all are familiar with traditional text messages such as greetings sent between individuals using their mobile phones, such as friends, family members, and colleagues. 

• Application-to-Person (A2P) Messages

These messages originate from applications, services, or businesses and are sent to individual users. A2P communication usually involves transactional alerts such as account balance notifications and one-time passwords, order confirmations, and promotional messages like special discounts and offers. 

• Person-to-Application (P2A) Messages

P2A communication involves users sending text messages to applications or services. Some common examples are users subscribing to services, participating in contests via voting, etc. 

• Flash Messages

Such messages appear directly on the mobile device’s screen, even if the device is locked. Flash messages are usually used for conveying critical information, such as emergency alerts, special events, service disruptions, etc. SMSCs employ special protocols to ensure the delivery of flash messages. 

• Unicode Messages

Text messages that include characters beyond the basic 7-bit alphabet are Unicode messages, i.e., usage of emoticons, special characters, etc. SMSCs handle the conversion and encoding of Unicode characters for proper delivery. 

• Premium Messages

Also called Premium Rate SMS, these SMS messages are incurred at a higher cost to the sender than the standard SMS. SMSCs manage the billing and routing of Premium SMS messages between the sender, recipient, and content provider.

Looking at the types of messages handled by the SMSCs, we can say that SMSCs demonstrate significant versatility. In the next section, we shall learn about the SMSC number

What is an SMSC Number?

Also called an SMSC Address or Message Center Number, an SMSC number is a number that identifies an SMSC on a network. It is in the format of a standard phone number and is used by your MNO, i.e., Mobile Network Operator, to route and deliver SMS messages. The SMSC address is stored on the user’s SIM card, and each MNO has a unique SMSC address for its subscribers. 

How is an SMSC Number Different from a Phone Number?

It is important to learn that an SMSC number is different from a regular phone number as it cannot be called or texted directly. Usually, users don’t need to manually set the SMSC number as it comes pre-configured. However, in some cases, manual configuration might be required. 

SMSC Number vs. Regular Phone Number

SMSC Number on Android and iOS

If you need to check or update the SMSC number on your Android and iOS devices, then here’s how you can do it. 

How to Set the Message Center Number in Android?

Method 1: Using Messaging App Settings

• Open the Messaging app you use for sending and receiving SMS/MMS messages.
• Tap the Menu button (usually three dots) or swipe right from the left edge of the screen.
• Select Settings.
• Look for options like Advanced, SMS, or Message Center.
• Tap on the option mentioned in the above step.
• You should see a field labeled Message Center Number or SMSC Number.
• Enter the correct message center number for your mobile network operator (MNO). You can find this number on your operator’s website or by contacting their customer service.
• Save the changes by tapping OK or Save.

Method 2: Using Phone App (for older Android versions)

1. Open the Phone app on your device.
2. Tap the Menu button or swipe right from the left edge of the screen.
3. Select Settings.
4. Look for options like Call settings or More settings.
5. Tap on the option mentioned in step 4.
6. Look for an option named SMS Center or Message Center.
7. Tap on it and enter the correct message center number for your MNO.
8. Save the changes by tapping OK or Save.

How to Set the Message Center Number in Apple iOS?

On iOS devices, you can directly access the SMSC number. This is because an iOS device automatically uses the correct SMSC number for your carrier. This information is pre-configured by Apple. So no manual intervention is required. 

Pro Tip: Remember that updating an incorrect SMSC number might disrupt your SMS services. In case you are not sure about your SMSC number, it is best to contact your MNO. 

Moving on to the next section, we will have a thorough understating of how an SMSC works. Let’s go!

How Does an SMS Center Work?

An SMSC follows a series of steps for its working as described below. Here, I will describe the process in generic and give you a technical sneak peek as well. 

Message Origination

When a user creates an SMS message and hits the send button, the SMS is first received by the SMSC. The SMSC returns a short message to the sender confirming that it has received the message, thus acting as a Temporary Holding Station. 

Message Validation

It then checks whether the recipient is available on the same network as that of the sender. To validate, the SMSC analyzes the recipient’s phone number and utilizes its databases like HLR (Home Location Register)  and VLR (Visitor Location Register) to identify the associated mobile network. If the sender is not on the same network, then the SMSC forwards the message to another SMSC using protocols like SS7. 

Here, the SMSC also performs validation i.e. checking whether the message is properly formatted, its adherence to 160 characters, and correctness of recipient information.   

Message is Delivered

The recipient’s network’s SMSC then checks the availability of the recipient’s device. If available, it immediately delivers the message. However, if the device is offline, it stores the message temporarily (typically for 24 hours) and attempts the delivery later. 

Delivery is Confirmed

Upon successful delivery of the SMS message, the recipient’s network sends a delivery report to the SMSC which in turn is forwarded to the sender as a confirmation. 

An important thing to note here is that all this happens in a matter of seconds and is hardly noticeable by the laymen. Modern-day SMS centers can process up to thousands of messages per second. 

Use Cases: Which Industries Require an SMSC Platform?

SMS is a widely popular communication tool across various industries. Here, I am going to mention some of the most prominent sectors that can benefit significantly from SMSC.

Healthcare

SMS is a commonly employed tool in the healthcare industry for various purposes. You must have received appointment reminder texts from your healthcare provider before your visit. And even, receiving reminders about medication schedules is quite common these days. Such texts can be a lot helpful in better management of healthcare centers and improvement in treatment outcomes as well. 

Finance

Mobile Banking and Internet Banking are convenient for users to execute transactions. However, to keep such transactions secure, banks use a 2-Factor Authentication mechanism. The process involves sending a security code through a standard text message to the user’s registered mobile number for authenticating logins and transactions. 

Besides 2-FA, Payment Alerts are another useful use case where SMSC is critical. Here real-time transaction alerts and account balance notifications are sent to customers. This helps in maintaining transparency and preventing fraud as well. 

Bulk SMS Aggregators 

Bulk SMS Aggregators are an important element of the mobile communication ecosystem. They act as intermediaries between MNOs and businesses to facilitate SMS services usually on a larger scale. To ensure the efficiency and reliability of their services, bulk SMS aggregators rely on SMSCs. When a client submits bulk messages through the aggregator’s platform, the messages are queued and communicated to SMSCs through gateways. The routing and successful delivery of these messages to individual mobile carriers  is handled by the SMSCs. 

E-Commerce and Retail

E-commerce and retail industries rely heavily on SMS communication to drive customer engagement, enhance operational efficiency, and boost sales. Real-time updates are sent to customers via SMS in the form of order confirmations, delivery updates, payment reminders, and promotional offers. 

SMSC Security

SMSCs are critical components of mobile networks that handle sensitive user data and define the integrity of the communication networks. This is why ensuring the security of SMSCs is paramount. Some typical security measures include robust encryption, authentication mechanisms, and intrusion detection to safeguard SMSCs from interception, manipulation, and unauthorized access. Additionally, implementing an SMS Firewall could be an effective security measure to mitigate the potential risks and uphold the trust of subscribers in the integrity of SMS communication.

Future of SMSC

With the rise of RCS i.e. (Rich Communication Services) and alternative apps like WhatsApp, person-to-person messaging has declined significantly. However, the overall usage of SMS has not declined due to an increase in the use of A2P messaging. According to estimations, the number of A2P messages by 2025 will hit 1.9 trillion.     

Rather than being replaced, the probability of SMSC evolving and adapting seems quite high. The emergence of the latest technologies, such as 5G and the IoT, is anticipated to drive the demand for effective text messaging services. With this, SMS centers are also going to adapt and evolve. Mobile communication leaps forward with 5G. The proliferation of 5G devices is going to generate torrents of data, including text messages, where SMSCs, with their ability to handle higher volumes of data at blazing speeds,  can become essential units to ensure smooth and efficient delivery of text-based data.  

Furthermore, it’s not just about the speed. With the increasing reliance on IoT, text messages can become the primary mode of communication as these IoT devices interact with each other. It can be about anything – from wearables sending health data to automated machines coordinating tasks. While this happens, the SMSCs act as silent translators – ensuring the flawless flow of messages between diverse devices, no matter their network or protocol.

Conclusion

An SMSC might appear as a simple messaging router, but in reality, SMSCs are powerful engines with solid functionalities. With our exploration of SMSCs through this blog, we have come to understand the pivotal role of SMSCs in modern communication infrastructure. Their ability to facilitate swift and reliable SMS communication, as well as handling massive volumes of messages, is truly commendable. While apps come and go, SMSCs are a constant in the communication landscape, always operating behind the scenes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an example of an SMSC number?

SMSC numbers are carrier-specific and vary by region. A simple example could be +15550005000. These numbers usually look like phone numbers but are used internally by the network.

Do all mobile networks have an SMSC?

Yes, every mobile operator has at least one SMSC to handle SMS traffic within their network. Large telecom companies may have multiple SMSCs for load balancing and redundancy.

Is it possible to send SMS messages without an SMSC?

No, SMS messages require an SMSC to be processed and delivered to the recipient’s device. Without a valid SMSC number, your messages will not be sent.

Do SMSCs process bulk messages?

Yes, SMSC platforms are used for sending bulk SMS messages for marketing, notifications, and alerts.

Does an SMSC go down?

Yes, when an SMSC fails, SMS messages are delayed, lost, or rerouted through backup SMSCs as most of the carriers have redundancy measures in place. 

Note: This post has been updated with the latest information on 15-04-2025.

The post What is an SMSC (Short Message Service Center)? Explained appeared first on Revesoft Blog.

Let’s learn about SMS platform providers through this post.

What is an SMS Platform Provider?

An SMS Platform provider, often called an SMS gateway provider, is a company that provides businesses, aggregators, Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), and Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) a centralized system to send, receive, and manage SMS messages at scale. They have the infrastructure and tools to enable seamless communication through Application-to-Person (A2P), Person-to-Application (P2A), and Person-to-Person (P2P) messaging. 

Typically, an SMS platform provider acts as a bridge between businesses and telecom carriers to facilitate messaging services. From ensuring high-message deliverability to security and compliance with telecom regulations, a reliable SMS platform provider is crucial for effective and sustainable SMS communication. 

Let’s move further to understand the type of SMS services offered by SMS platform providers. Mainly, they cover 3 types of SMS services, which are:

1. A2P Messaging 

A2P or Application-to-Person Messaging is the type of messaging where businesses send SMS to customers. Some simple examples of A2P messaging are OTPs, notifications, and promotions.

2. P2A Messaging 

P2A, or Person-to-Application Messaging, is the type of messaging where customers text businesses. Common examples of P2A messaging include, e.g., voting via SMS, customer feedback.

3. P2P Messaging 

P2P or Person-to-Person messaging is the type of messaging in which individuals directly exchange SMS messaging between them. For example, a person says a casual hello to his friend via SMS. 

How Does an SMS Platform Work?

SMS platforms enable message transmission between sender and receiver by integrating with telecom operators and enterprise applications. Here’s how the process of SMS delivery happens, step-by-step: 

1. Message Initiation 

The first step of the messaging process is that a business system or a user initiates a message via API, web portal, or software integration.

2. Routing & Optimization 

After initiation, the SMS platform selects the most cost-effective and reliable route using routing algorithms such as Least-Cost Routing (LCR).

3. Carrier Connection

The SMS platform sends the message through an SMS Gateway that connects with global carriers.

4. Delivery & Status Reporting 

The message is delivered to the recipient’s device, and the platform provides real-time status updates (delivered, failed, pending, etc.).

The working of the SMS transmission process clearly signifies the fact that an SMS platform is much more than just sending messages – it’s about optimizing delivery, engagement, and ROI.

Key Features of a Reliable SMS Platform

A reliable, high-quality SMS platform should include the following features:

Scalability & High Throughput

An SMS platform should have the ability to handle a large volume of messages without experiencing performance issues like delays or failures. Most businesses require bulk messaging services for marketing and promotional needs, therefore, scalability is pivotal in an SMS platform. In terms of throughput, the SMS system should be able to process and send millions of SMS messages per second. This is important for time-sensitive SMS campaigns.

Consider an e-commerce retailer executing a flash sale via an SMS campaign. During the first hour of the campaign, millions of customers tried to claim their discounts via SMS. In such a scenario, a scalable and high-throughput SMS platform can ensure that all messages are sent promptly, preventing issues like delays leading to customer frustration. 

Intelligent Routing & Load Balancing

An SMS platform with an intelligent routing feature will ensure an optimal delivery path for each message sent, considering factors like network congestion, delivery speed, cost, etc. The platform should also have a load-balancing feature to distribute the SMS traffic across multiple servers, thus preventing overload on any single server and ensuring smooth message delivery. 

For example, when message traffic is at its peak, the SMS platform automatically diverts messages to less congested networks to maintain delivery speed. When a server starts to become overloaded, the SMS system automatically transfers the extra traffic to other servers. 

Compliance & Security

The SMS platform should comply with data privacy regulations such as GDPR, TCPA, etc. It should be equipped with encryption and other security mechanisms to ensure the protection of sensitive data during SMS transmission and storage. For example, an SMS platform provides tools for managing opt-in and opt-out requests. So, when a customer requests that all of their data be deleted, the platform makes that process simple. 

Advanced Analytics & Real-Time Reports

An SMS platform with the ability to provide detailed insights into campaign performance, such as message delivery rates, is useful for businesses in monitoring their campaigns and making adjustments as needed. 

Let’s take an example where a marketing team leverages real-time reports to track the performance of a promotional campaign. After analysis, they notice a low delivery rate in a specific geographical area, make adjustments accordingly. 

API & CRM Integration

The SMS platform should have the ability to integrate with CRM systems, i.e., customer relationship management systems and other existing business applications, through API integration. This is essential for automated messaging and personalized or customized SMS communication with customers. 

For example, a business integrates the SMS platform with its existing CRM system. Through this integration, they automate appointment reminders and after-sales follow-up messages. 

Benefits of Using an SMS Platform

We’ve talked about the features and what they do for you. Now, let’s really get into why using an SMS platform is so valuable. 

Instant & High Engagement

According to various sources, SMS messages are typically read within minutes of receipt; particularly, 90% of SMS messages are read within 3 minutes of delivery. In terms of engagement rates, SMS has a 6x higher engagement rate than email. This fact alone makes SMS ideal for urgent and time-sensitive communications. For instance, a business sends a last-minute promotional offer via SMS. Customers who receive the message are likely to act on it immediately because they open and read it right away.

Cost-Effective Marketing & Communication

Compared to traditional marketing methods like print, television, or radio, SMS turns out to be significantly affordable. The direct and targeted nature of SMS helps businesses reach out to customers without making any substantial investments. 

Suppose an event organizer uses SMS to send out updates and last-minute changes. Doing so would be impossible through print. 

Automation & Efficiency

The automation offered by SMS platforms helps streamline communication workflows. Suppose a delivery service sends automated SMS notifications to customers about when their parcels are out for delivery. 

How to Maximize ROI with an SMS Platform?

Whether you are an SMS aggregator, an MNO, MVNO, or simply a business using an SMS platform for SMS communication, you certainly seek to generate maximum return on investment. We have gathered a list of best practices, common mistakes, and techniques to gauge the performance of your SMS campaigns to help you out: 

Best Practices to Generate Maximum ROI from an SMS Platform

• Segment Your Audience

Do you know what could be the worst thing you can do in a marketing campaign? It is sending generic messages to your entire contact list. Segmentation of your audience, i.e., dividing your audience into smaller, more specific groups based on shared characteristics, is essential. Such a segmentation allows you to tailor your messages to their interests and needs, which means the audience can resonate better with your messages. In other words, sending targeted messages based on customer behavior, interests, and demographics boosts open rate and thus higher engagement and conversion rates. 

• Optimize Timing & Frequency

Flooding your audiences’ inboxes with too many messages or sending them at inconvenient times can lead to customer frustration and high opt-outs. It is, therefore, important to optimize the timing and frequency of your SMS campaigns to ensure decent engagement and maintain a positive brand image. 

• Use Short & Clear Messaging

Standard SMS messages have a limit of 160 characters. This means you need to practice conciseness, clarity, and strong CTAs to ensure that your audience understands your message easily and instantly. 

• Leverage Automation

Automation can simplify a lot of things for you. You can schedule messages or set them based on triggers to improve work efficiency, personalize interactions, and provide customers with instant responses. 

• Monitor & Improve Performance

Your efforts need to be evaluated because only then can you ensure that you are going in the right direction. By regularly monitoring the performance of your SMS campaigns, you can identify what’s working and what’s not. Keep a check on delivery rates, click-through rates or CTRs, and conversion rates to optimize your strategies for better ROI. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using an SMS Platform

Below are some critical mistakes that businesses often make with SMS marketing. Here’s a breakdown: 

Sending Bulk SMS Without Personalization  

Treating all your customers as a single, undifferentiated group can make your business seem impersonal and out of touch. It can affect your engagement and conversion rates. 

Ignoring Regulatory Compliance

It is important to understand that SMS marketing is subject to various regulations that vary by region. Failing to comply with these regulations can lead to significant legal and financial repercussions. For example, if a business sends messages to customers who have opted not to receive such messages is a violation of the regulation and can result in fines. 

Not Providing an Opt-Out Option

It is mandatory to provide SMS recipients a clear and easy way to unsubscribe from receiving further messages. While this is a legal requirement, it also signifies your respect for customer preferences. On the other hand, if a business doesn’t fails to provide an opt-out option to its customers, then it can result in higher customer complaints and opt-out rates. 

How to Evaluate the Performance of Your SMS Campaigns?

• Delivery Rate: Above 95%

Delivery rate is a fundamental metric for assessing the reliability and efficiency of an SMS platform. It is the percentage of SMS messages sent that were successfully delivered to the recipients’ mobile devices. Make sure the delivery rate is above 95%. 

• Response Rate: Around 19%

After delivery rate, the next important metric you need to check is the response rate, i.e., the measure of how many recipients engaged with your message by replying to it. This is particularly relevant for two-way SMS communication, such as feedback requests. A healthy response rate for A2P SMS is typically around 19%. 

• Conversion Rate: About 45%

Conversion rate signifies the desired action taken by the recipient of the message. Some simple examples include clicking a link in an SMS and completing a transaction on your website or clicking on a link to learn more about a product. 

Conversion rates can vary based on your target audience, type of service offered, timing and frequency, and relevance; however, in the case of A2P, 45% is considered a decent conversion rate. 

How to Choose the Best SMS Platform Provider?

The simplest way to find a product that fits your business is to ask the right questions—and seek clear answers. I have compiled a list of top questions to ask when choosing the best SMS platform provider. Here you go! 

1. Compliance & Security

Compliance and security are paramount in today’s digital world, so begin filtering your list of SMS platform providers by asking these questions:

• Does the provider comply with GDPR, TCPA, and regional telecom laws?
• Are messages encrypted and protected against fraud?

2. Pricing & Cost Structure

Your questions regarding the cost of the SMS platform service should be clear from the very beginning. Therefore ask: 

• Is pricing pay-as-you-go, subscription-based, or volume-based?
• Are there hidden fees for routing, API access, or delivery reports?

3. API & Integration Capabilities

Get a clear idea about the real value or usefulness of the SMS platform for your business by asking these questions:

• Does the SMS platform integrate with CRM, ERP, and marketing tools?
• Are there SMPP, HTTP, and REST API options available?

4. Customer Support & Service Level Agreements (SLAs)

Make it a thumb rule to never commit to a service before you have satisfactory answers to the following questions: 

• Is 24/7 technical support available?
• Does the provider offer uptime guarantees of 99.99% or higher?

REVE SMS Platform: Powering Instant & Reliable Business Communication

At REVE, we provide our clients with a powerful and reliable SMS Platform that enables effortless promotional campaigns, transactional alerts, or two-way communication. With real-time analytics, robust API integration, and easy-to-use features, we ensure that REVE SMS empowers wholesale carriers, SMS aggregators, MNOs, and MVNOs to drive engagement and boost customer satisfaction. You can avail a free demo of the SMS platform to understand and test the advanced features of REVE SMS Platform.

Conclusion

SMS remains a highly effective and indispensable communication tool for businesses, aggregators, MNOs, and MVNOs. Choosing the right SMS platform provider ensures high deliverability, compliance, security, and a strong ROI.

By leveraging advanced features like AI-driven routing, real-time analytics, and automation, businesses can maximize engagement, reduce costs, and drive revenue growth.

Are you ready to invest in a powerful SMS platform? Get in touch with our experts to know more about our SMS solution. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do SMS platforms offer free trials or pay-as-you-go options?

Yes, free trials are offered by many SMS platform providers to help businesses understand whether the service aligns with their specific requirements. 

Are there any hidden costs associated with using an SMS platform? 

Most of the reputable SMS platform providers are transparent with pricing; however, it is always advisable to ask for a full breakdown before committing. 

How does an SMS platform prevent spam and fraudulent messages?

SMS platforms are equipped with robust spam prevention tools such as sender ID verification, content filtering, and rate limiting. These security mechanisms work in real time to monitor and act upon any suspicious activities. 

Does REVE SMS platform offer two-way messaging functionality?

Yes, modern SMS platforms like REVE offer two-way messaging capabilities, which enable businesses to send and receive SMS messages in real time. Businesses requiring SMS communication for customer support, feedback, and transactional follow-ups can benefit significantly from two-way messaging. 

Does REVE SMS platform supports scheduling SMS campaigns?

Yes, you can schedule SMS campaigns in advance using REVE SMS platform. It ensures timely delivery based on your target audience’s time zone or behavior.

The post How to Choose the Right SMS Platform Provider for Best ROI? appeared first on Revesoft Blog.

Whether it’s about delivering targeted marketing messages or providing timely customer support, it is important to choose the right messaging strategy. A2P and P2P SMS serve different use cases, and thus, understanding ‘when’ to use ‘which’ can make all the difference. So, which one is right for you? Let’s delve into A2P vs P2P messaging. 

What is A2P Messaging?

A2P stands for Application-to-person messaging. An A2P SMS is a text message sent to a person or customer by a software application (business). Unlike a friendly conversation between two individuals, A2P messaging feels automated. These messages are often sent timely and in relevance. In other words, A2P messages are not friendly conversations, rather, these messages are often broadcasted by businesses to send information to their customers. 

Although, A2P messaging is generally considered a one-way communication channel, it can also support two-way communication in certain scenarios. Here’s the explanation: Traditionally, A2P SMS messages were used by businesses to deliver information without expecting a response from the audience. Some common examples of one-way SMS communication include order confirmations and appointment reminders. 

However, with advancements in technology and the rising need to enhance customer engagement among businesses, two-way A2P messaging came into usage, enabling interactive and dynamic conversations. For example, appointment rescheduling and customer support are two-way messaging communication where customers respond and the system handles replies intelligently. 

Key Features of A2P Communication

A2P comes with various powerful features that makes it ideal for business messaging and boosting customer engagement. Let’s have a look at the core features of A2P messaging.

• Higher Volume

A2P enables businesses to send SMS communication in bulk volume. Companies with large subscriber bases can benefit by sending information to thousands and even millions of recipients simultaneously. 

• Delivery Reports 

A2P messaging provides detailed delivery reports for tracking message status. By checking whether the messages are delivered, failed, or queued, companies or businesses can optimize their communication strategies. 

• Security & Compliance 

A2P messaging implements data encryption and compliance with global regulations, including GDPR and TCPA. This helps protect against unwanted threats.

• Intelligent Routing 

A2P utilizes advanced routing algorithms to ensure the delivery of messages through the most reliable and cost-effective paths. 

• Automated Scheduling 

A2P facilitates message scheduling, enabling businesses to send SMS campaigns at optimal times based on business requirements. This allows for effortless management of recurring campaigns, reminders, and follow-ups. 

• API Integration 

A2P provides REST APIs and SMPP to integrate seamlessly with existing business systems such as CRMs and ERPs, enabling automated workflows. 

• Dynamic Content 

A2P supports customized messages with placeholders to personalize SMS based on user data. Enhance user engagement by delivering relevant and targeted content. 

•  Two-Way Communication 

As explained before, A2P enables two-way interaction, allowing customers to reply to A2P messages, typically for feedback collection, surveys, or inquiries.

• Analytics & Insights 

A2P offers detailed analytics and reporting on delivery rates, open rates, and user responses. This enables businesses to identify patterns and trends and accordingly rework their messaging strategies. 

What is P2P Messaging?

P2P stands for Person-to-Person messaging. It is the regular texting that people do. For example, if you send an SMS to your friend, that’s a P2P message. These messages are typically direct, i.e., one person to another, contain personal information or messages, and are usually exchanged in real time. This type of messaging differs entirely from automated A2P messaging, which we discussed above. 

In simple words, we can say that P2P messaging is personal communication or human-to-human communication. In P2P messaging, there are fewer restrictions in terms of throughput and compliance. These messages are typically low-volume and are transmitted between parties in real time. 

Key Features of P2P Messaging

We know that P2P is all about user-to-user conversations. Therefore, the features of P2P are tailored to provide direct, secure, and real-time interactions. 

• Real-Time Communication 

P2P messaging facilitates real-time back-and-forth communication between two individuals, making it conversational and dynamic. This makes it ideal for communication where an immediate response is required. For example, friends communicate via SMS to plan the date and place for an outing. In the business context, a customer representative answering a client’s questions about a product in real time can use P2P. 

• More Privacy 

P2P interactions offer a higher degree of privacy compared to A2P. This is because P2P messages are exchanged directly between the sender and the recipient. 

• Minimal Delay 

P2P messaging faces lesser filtration, unlike A2P, and thus is delivered almost instantly. 

• Lesser Regulation 

In P2P, there are fewer compliance hurdles because it is for personal use. 

• Lesser Volume

Since P2P is exchanged between individuals, there is minimal overload. This feature helps keep interactions personalized, focused, and meaningful. 

A2P vs P2P Messaging: Key Differences

While A2P messaging sounds more like a broadcast down from a loudspeaker to a huge crowd, P2P is more like a personal or quiet conversation between two friends. The image below highlights what P2P and A2P messaging look like: 

Clearly, the tone of the messages in both cases signifies the difference between these two types of messaging. 

Now, let’s consider some other aspects of the differentiating factors between A2P messaging and P2P messaging: 

• Messaging Volume 

These are generally high volume and high throughput messages, i.e., hundreds, thousands, and even millions of messages can be sent per day. A2P SMS is ideally used for bulk notifications and marketing campaigns. P2P messaging generally involves low volume because it’s limited to user-to-user messaging. 

• Sender Types 

 A2P messages are sent from a software or business application to a user. P2P messages are sent by an individual user to another user, like a friend texting another friend.

• Delivery Speed & Reliability 

Since A2P texting is meant for business communication, it ensures fast and reliable delivery of SMS messages at scale through enterprise-grade messaging infrastructure. On the other hand, the speed of P2P texting is generally fast and depends upon the carrier, it is not designed for bulk messaging. 

• Regulations

There are several acts and policies that regulate A2P messaging, like the user opt-in and opt-out options. P2P, on the other hand, is mildly regulated since it’s considered private communication between users. 

• Automation 

Modern SMS platforms offer automation features in A2P messaging. However, P2P is completely manual, i.e., messages are exchanged between users in real-time.

A2P vs P2P: Ideal Use Cases

Understanding the ideal use cases for A2P and P2P can be a good way for businesses to choose the right communication channel. Let’s see where each type of messaging fits best: 

A2P Use Cases

E-commerce and Retail

Companies use A2P SMS for sending order confirmations, shipping notifications, delivery status updates, and estimated arrival times to customers. Some other scenarios where A2P is used in the e-commerce and retail industry are abandoned cart reminders, exclusive discounts, and loyalty offers. 

Banking and Finance Services

Financial institutions leverage A2P to enhance security, streamline communication, and notify customers about critical transactions. Some common scenarios where A2P is used by banks and finance companies include sending OTPs for secure account logins, fraud alerts, payment confirmations, balance updates, bill payment reminders, and due date alerts. 

Healthcare and Medical Services

Healthcare institutions such as hospitals, clinics, and medical centers use A2P to improve patient engagement by providing appointment reminders, confirmations, and rescheduling. Additionally, prescription refill reminders, lab test notifications, follow-up instructions, and general wellness tips are some other use cases of A2P. 

Telecommunications

Telecom companies use A2P SMS to send account-related notifications and security alerts to customers. Also, the application-to-person messaging is done to inform customers about the latest promotional offers, plan upgrades, bill reminders, and payment confirmations. 

Travel and Hospitality

A2P messaging finds extensive usage in the travel and hospitality industry. These messages are used to send booking confirmations, itinerary updates, check-in and boarding alerts, and notifications about loyalty programs and exclusive discounts for customers. 

Media and Entertainment

Businesses dealing in media and entertainment leverage A2P to send information like subscription renewals and payment reminders to customers. Also, upcoming events and digital tickets are promoted via SMS. Furthermore, content recommendations, such as suggesting movies, songs, etc., based on user preferences and notifying users about new or trending content, are done through A2P. 

Education

The role of A2P in the education sector is quite significant, as universities, institutes, and schools use A2P for admission and enrollment notifications. A2P bulk messaging also notifies parents and students about class and exam schedules and sends reminders about assignment due dates. Last but not least, A2P SMS is used to send fee payment reminders and scholarship updates to students. 

Logistics and Supply Chain

There are various scenarios in the logistics and supply chain where A2P is used. Some common instances include order and delivery tracking, inventory and stock alerts, and pickup and drop-off confirmations. 

Government and Public Services

A2P is extensively used in government and public services departments. From emergency alerts, public safety notifications, voter registration, and election reminders, public health campaigns and surveys to collect public feedback are performed using A2P. 

Utilities and Energy

This sector also relies heavily on A2P messaging for delivering information to customers. Sending bill and payment reminders, outage alerts, and service updates, sharing usage reports, and suggesting energy conservation tips – all the communication is done using A2P SMS. 

P2P Use Cases

• Personal Communication, i.e., texting between friends and family  
• Peer-to-peer coordination, like colleagues planning a day out
• Colleagues quickly exchange work-related updates quickly via P2P

Pros and Cons of A2P and P2P Messaging

A2P and P2P messaging serve different communication needs, and both come with their own set of advantages and limitations. Let’s discuss those here, one by one:

Benefits of A2P Messaging

The global A2P messaging market size was estimated at USD 71.50 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.4% from 2025 to 2030. Source

It is because of the wide-ranging benefits of A2P that businesses are increasingly relying on it as a power communication channel to boost their growth. 

• Better Customer Engagement & Stronger Customer Loyalty 

The instant nature of SMS makes it possible for businesses to connect quickly with their audience and create a seamless experience. This is a key point in boosting customer satisfaction and transforming casual customers into long-term brand advocates. 

• Saves Time, Reduces Costs, and Boost Efficiency 

A2P messaging automates repetitive communication like appointment reminders and payment confirmations, helping businesses to utilize resources in other crucial areas. 

• Increase Visibility, Achieve Greater Impact 

SMS boasts impressive open rates, which means businesses can get their message read by the maximum number of recipients. This is a key factor in driving more customer engagement and thus achieving better results. 

• Reliable, Direct, and Spam-Free Communication 

A2P messaging adheres to carrier regulations and thus bypasses spam filters and is delivered straight into the recipients’ inboxes. With this, it is ensured that critical information such as product updates, promotions, and alerts always reach the customers exactly when needed. 

Limitations of A2P

• Strict telecom regulations and anti-spam laws 
• Character restriction (usually 160 characters) 
• Dependency on Opt-in lists 

Benefits of P2P

• Natural & Human-Like Communication 
• Quick exchange of information 
• Messages from known contacts lead to high engagement 

Limitations of P2P

• Not Scalable for Businesses 
• Regulatory Concerns at Scale 
• Message Delays or Filtering on Some Networks

How REVE SMS can Help?

Our SMS solution, REVE SMS Platform, is a carrier-grade solution designed to provide aggregators, MNOs, and MVNOs with seamless support for A2P, P2A, and P2P messaging services. Our platform integrates a robust real-time billing system that ensures accurate invoice generation. Here are some more outshining features of the REVE SMS Platform:

• Seamless Multi-Protocol Support SMPP, HTTP, HTTPS, RESTful API, and SS7 (SIGTRAN M3UA, SCCP).
• Ensures effortless management of dynamic as well as generic SMS campaigns. 
• Supports advanced routing algorithms for optimal processing of millions of messages per hour. 
• Client and reseller management is made extremely easy with an interactive dashboard, multi-tier reseller management, a client-specific reporting portal, and online payment options.
• Various options are available that make bundle/ package management completely hassle-free. 
• Content whitelisting, blocking, and modification can be performed easily. 
• Facilitates advanced MNP Dipping Management and HLR Lookup Support for optimal routing and service efficiency. 
• Fast and simple price management, along with real-time rate updates, make it the all-in-one solution for retail and wholesale SMS trading.

Conclusion

The very first thing we learned through this post about A2P vs P2P is the meaning and working these type of messaging . While A2P excels in scenarios where automation, speed, and scalability are key drivers, P2P is ideal for environments where personalization, real-time interactions, and two-way communication are paramount. The combination of these two i.e., A2P and P2P messaging, can be particularly useful for businesses aiming to optimize customer interactions. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of A2P and P2P SMS?

A2P SMS is primarily used by businesses and organizations to send automated messages to customers. These messages are typically in the form of alerts, notifications, promotions, and transactional updates. The very goal of using A2P SMS is to deliver timely, relevant information to a large audience without much hassle. On the contrary, P2P is meant for personal communication between individuals, such as chats between friends. 

Is there any SMS delivery speed difference between A2P and P2P?

Yes, A2P messages typically have a faster delivery speed. This is because of the presence of direct carrier connections and priority routing. On the other side, P2P messages are still fast, however, these messages may experience slight delays due to network availability and recipient response times. 

What is the ideal SMS type for one-way communication?

For any type of one-way communication, A2P SMS is the perfect choice. Businesses often leverage A2P messaging to send bulk messages, notifications, alerts, etc., wherein no response is expected from the recipients. 

Can P2P be used for business purposes?

No, businesses should not use P2P SMS. There are two reasons for this:

1. P2P is not designed for large-scale messaging. Using P2P for high-volume messaging can lead to delivery delays, which can affect the working of the business.
2. If carriers detect misuse of P2P messaging and violation of carrier/ messaging laws, then they can block or suspend SMS services for the business. 

What happens if A2P SMS violates compliance rules?

Violation of SMS compliance rules such as GDPR, TCPA, etc., can lead to severe consequences such as message blocking, penalties, and even service suspension. 

The post A2P vs P2P Messaging: Understanding Features and Differences appeared first on Revesoft Blog.

The role of an SMS gateway provider is pivotal in modern business communication. From transactional alerts to promotional messages, modern businesses rely on SMS communication to connect with their audience. SMS Gateway providers ensure this communication happens seamlessly, reliably, and cost-effectively. In this blog, we will explore SMS gateway providers, key features, and benefits along with tips for choosing the best SMS gateway provider. 

What is an SMS Gateway Provider?

An SMS gateway provider provides platforms or APIs that businesses can integrate with their systems to manage SMS communications. When businesses send SMS messages, the process happens between a computer system or software application and is delivered to recipient devices through mobile phone networks. 

SMS gateway, also called SMS platform, performs the job of translating the SMS messages into a format compatible with mobile networks and ensuring that messages are delivered without delay. 

To put it in different words, we can say that an SMS gateway provider is like an intermediary that connects a business’s computer system with the vast network of mobile phones to ensure the routing and delivery of text messages. 

Collectively, the role of SMS gateway providers includes 3 core functions, which are:

1. Formatting and translation of SMS messages into an appropriate format for delivery over mobile networks
2. Routing text messages from computer or software to the recipient’s mobile phone network through the most efficient channels 
3. Provide the business with tools such as scheduling, delivery tracking, reporting and analytics for seamless SMS communication 

Why Choosing the Right SMS Gateway Provider Matters in 2025

Businesses use SMS for almost every type of communication: promotional, transactional, customer service, and alerts. The simple, reliable, and direct nature of SMS as a communication channel makes it an indispensable tool in today’s hyper-connected business world. That’s why it is important to choose the right SMS gateway provider for your SMS business in 2025. 

The below pointers give you a solid reason why choosing the right SMS gateway provider has never been more important. Let’s take a look: 

Message Delivery 

Choosing a subpar provider for lesser charges can put you in a big loss in the long run. Undelivered, delayed, and failed messages from such providers can affect the image and growth of your business. On the other hand, opting for a reliable SMS gateway provider helps you bypass all such issues and focus on other important areas of your business to generate more profits. 

Scalability 

Scalability is no longer a concern these days. Modern SMS gateway providers offer solutions that are designed to grow with your business. Yes, as your business thrives, your SMS gateway will effortlessly adapt to handle larger SMS volumes without compromising speed, reliability, and communication experience for your customers.

Cost Effectiveness 

It is true that a reliable provider will cost you a bit more than the ones with sub-standard features and lesser reliability. Investing in quality services is always a good idea as your business simply can’t thrive on a provider with quality issues. Therefore, opting for an SMS gateway provider that balances competitive pricing with two-tier features is essential. 

In simple words, your choice of SMS gateway provider is going to impact both your operations and customer engagement. So choose wisely!

Key Features of an SMS Gateway Platform

Advanced SMS Gateways, like REVE SMS platform, come equipped with features designed to make the SMS communication process easy and effortless. Whether you are an aggregator, MNO or MVNO, you should be able to deliver SMS services to your customers without any hassle. Therefore look for these features when choosing the right SMS gateway provider: 

• Effortless API Integration

The API integration offered by the SMS gateway should be easy and robust. It should support multiple programming languages such as PHP, and Java for seamless integration. 

• Seamless Scalability 

As mentioned earlier, the SMS gateway should be able to handle bulk SMS campaigns without affecting the performance. 

• Insightful Reports and Analytics

Real-time tracking of text messages is a must-have feature in an SMS gateway. This helps you check the delivery status of messages. The platform should also be able to generate detailed insights for performance analysis based on campaign data. 

• Two-Way Messaging Support 

Many areas of business communication, such as customer support, require two-way messaging. The SMS gateway you choose should support receiving replies, helping businesses generate customer engagement and collect feedback. 

• High Uptime 

The SMS industry is fiercely competitive. Your SMS business can only survive in the market if it offers reliable services that ensure uninterrupted communication. That is why the guaranteed availability of your SMS gateway provider’s services is necessary. 

• Solid Compliance 

The SMS gateway provider must adhere to regulatory guidelines including GDPR, and DND lists to ensure secure and lawful messaging practices. 

Benefits of Using an SMS Gateway Solution

Using an SMS gateway solution is beneficial for both SMS aggregators and their customers which are usually businesses. We will learn about these benefits in each case to better understand the usefulness of SMS gateway solutions. 

Benefits of SMS Gateway Solution for Aggregators

• SMS aggregators can better streamline their operations by managing and distributing high-volume SMS traffic efficiently through robust routing mechanisms. 
• By leveraging intelligent routing i.e. selecting the most economical pathways for message delivery, aggregators are able to reduce operational costs. 
• Aggregators can offer feature-rich APIs to their customers to enable seamless integration with diverse systems. 

Benefits of SMS Gateway Solutions for Customers/ Businesses

• For customers, the biggest benefit is that of high delivery rates and rapid transmission of messages. This helps them ensure timely communication with their audience. 
• Automation and scheduling features in SMS gateway platforms helps save time in doing repetitive messaging tasks like appointment reminders, transactional updates, etc. 
• Competitive pricing models in SMS gateway solutions make SMS an affordable communication channel for businesses of all sizes. 

Top Use Cases for SMS Gateways

SMS Gateways can be used to cater to a variety of business needs. Here are some of the top use cases. 

• Marketing and Promotional Campaigns

Businesses often need to deliver promotional offers, discount coupons, and exclusive deals, announce new product launches, and send event invitations to specific customer segments. In such scenarios, SMS is usually the best communication channel.

• Emergency Alerts and Notifications 

Many businesses such as e-commerce stores need to provide their customers with real-time updates on order status, shipping progress and delivery notifications done via text messages. Sending urgent alerts and evacuation instructions during natural disasters or emergencies is another common use case of SMS.

• Customer Service and Support 

SMS gateways are also used to send automated reminders for appointments, consultations, etc. Also, providing customers with instant support on their queries is done via SMS.

How to Choose the Best SMS Gateway Provider in 2025

We have entered the year 2025 and competition out there is fierce like never before. As you are aiming to set up and grow your SMS business in the current and coming years, it is crucial for you to select the right SMS gateway provider. 

To make the right choice, you certainly need a list of filters that the SMS gateway provider should pass through. The good news is that I have made this task easy for you. Thoroughly understand the points mentioned below, one by one, so that your decision is the best. 

• Look for a Reliable SMS Gateway Provider 

The first and foremost check is to look for a provider with a robust SMS infrastructure and minimal downtime. Understand the fact that a provider with high downtime can disrupt critical communications such as OTPs. Ensure that the provider guarantees 99.9% uptime backed by an SLA. 

• Ensure High-Speed Message Delivery 

Another important aspect of SMS communication is the rate at which the messages are delivered. When you are looking for an efficient SMS gateway solution, you should ensure that the solution can deliver consistently at a high delivery speed, typically above 90%. This matters a lot for time-sensitive SMS communications such as alerts, flash sales, OTPs, etc. 

• Scalability and API Flexibility

Ask yourself this: Currently, how many messages are you sending per month? Are you going to stick to this figure in the coming time? The answer is no. Your business is going to grow and so is the count of SMS campaigns. This means that you cannot rely on a solution that can only handle a limited number of messages. Therefore, make sure that your SMS gateway is capable of handling increased SMS traffic without compromising performance. 

• Check Two-Way Messaging Support 

As an SMS aggregator, you will deal with clients with varying requirements. While some of them will only require A2P messaging services, others might also need two-way messaging. In that case, you need to ensure that your SMS gateway provider supports virtual numbers, shortcodes, or long codes for two-way messaging. 

• Responsive Customer Support 

Customer support is a critical factor when choosing a SaaS product, including SMS gateways. Your provider should offer 24/7 support through multiple channels like phone, email, and live chat. Make sure the support team is responsive enough to solve and assist you during challenges that may arise. 

• Delivery Report and Analytics 

What’s the ultimate goal of your SMS business, or any business? The answer is: To improve its ROI. As an SMS aggregator, you need to keep an eye on several key metrics that define the performance of your SMS business. This includes delivery rates, open rates, click-through rates or CTRs, etc. Therefore, make sure your gateway solution offers real-time delivery reports and an analytics dashboard. Insights from these reports and analytics will help you make data-driven decisions and refine your messaging strategies efficiently. 

• Security and Compliance 

Verify your SMS gateway provider’s compliance with industry regulations. Check whether the provider offers encryption, secure APIs, and compliance with standards like GDPR, HIPAA, etc. In a world where data breaches and privacy issues are a rising concern, you certainly cannot miss this aspect. 

• Check Use Case Alignment 

Not all SMS gateway providers support all types of messaging features. So depending on your unique needs, you should search for a provider that aligns with your specific requirements. Suppose as an SMS aggregator, you target customers with the requirement of sending bulk SMS campaigns. When you choose your gateway provider, ensure that the provider supports bulk messaging. 

Best SMS Gateway Provider: In a Nutshell

Whether you are an SMS aggregator managing bulk A2P messaging traffic or a mobile operator looking to enhance your customer communication, a robust SMS gateway is your enabler. Modern-day solutions like REVE SMS platform will help you unlock new revenue streams, strengthen customer relationships and stay competitive in the ever-evolving telecom industry. If you are ready to invest in a scalable and advanced SMS gateway, get in touch with us. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an SMS gateway and an SMS API?

An SMS gateway differs from an SMS API in the sense that it is a ready-to-use solution that has a simpler web interface for sending text messages, therefore, requiring less technical expertise. An SMS gateway is a complete solution designed for handling large-scale messaging campaigns and offers a bit less flexibility in terms of message content, scheduling, and integrations. 

On the other hand, SMS APIs are tools for developers to integrate SMS functionality into their applications. For that reason, SMS APIs require programming know-how for implementation and integration. These APIs offer greater flexibility and customization for messaging workflows. 

Can we send bulk SMS using SMS Gateway API?

Absolutely yes. Using an SMS gateway API, you can send bulk SMS campaigns, because SMS APIs are specifically designed to handle high-volume messaging. By integrating your SMS gateway API with your application or database, you can customize messages in a bulk SMS campaign and schedule it as required. 

Can SMS Gateway Handle 2-way messaging?

Yes, modern SMS gateways and APIs can efficiently handle two-way messaging i.e. support both sending and receiving text messages. The importance of this functionality lies in the fact that it helps businesses in driving customer engagement. Often, two-way messaging is supported by providing dedicated shortcodes to customers allowing them to reply to messages. Some of the most common practical scenarios where two-way messaging is used are providing customer support, surveys, feedback collection, OTP verifications, etc. 

How secure is messaging via an SMS gateway solution?

Modern SMS Gateway providers like REVE ensure military-grade security to protect sensitive information and prevent misuse. Some of the typical security measures implemented include data encryption, 2-FA, firewalls, compliance with data privacy regulations, and strong authentication mechanisms. 

The post How to Choose the Best SMS Gateway Provider in 2025 appeared first on Revesoft Blog.

This post is your comprehensive guide to changing the SMSC number on your Android and iOS phones. Let’s get started! 

Understanding the SMSC Number

Before we dive into the process of viewing and changing SMSC number on a mobile device, it is important to understand what an SMSC is and the role it plays in the functioning of SMS messages. 

What is a Short Message Service Center or SMSC?

SMSC is a short form of Short Message Service Center. You can think of SMSC as the ‘middleman’ between the sender and receiver of an SMS message. The process of SMS communication starts with the sender typing in the text and hitting the ‘Send’ button. The message leaves the originating location and is routed to the SMSC first. Upon receiving the SMS message, the SMSC validates a few things like message formatting, recipient phone number, etc. It then forwards the message to the recipient’s device. In the same manner, the incoming messages are also processed by SMSC until delivered to the recipient’s device. 

However, if in case the recipient device is unavailable for any reason, the SMSC temporarily stores the message and attempts to deliver the message later. This was an overview of how an SMSC handles the routing of SMS messages. I’m sure, now you must be curious to know what is an SMSC number.

What is an SMSC Number?

An SMSC number is an identifier for an SMSC on a network. Often SMSC number is also termed as SMSC Address, SMS Center Number, or Message Center Number. An SMSC number looks like a regular phone number, for example- +1234567980. However, this number cannot be used directly for calling or texting. SMSC numbers are typically provided by your mobile network operators, depending upon your location and carrier. 

Example of SMSC Number

Here’s an example to understand the format of an SMSC number:

Imagine your friend’s carrier is “Carrier A” in India. Their SMSC number might look like +919876543210, where +91 is the India country code, 987 is the Carrier A identifier, and the rest is a unique identifier for their SMSC.

What is an SMSC number in Android?

Android devices store the SMSC number within their phone’s network settings. Every time an SMS message is sent, the SMSC number is used. Typically, the SMSC number is configured automatically by the carrier when inserting the SIM card. 

How is an SMSC number different from a Phone Number?

Let’s understand this in more detail with the help of some unique aspects of SMSC numbers and Phone numbers. 

• Usage

An SMSC number is used by mobile networks and telecom providers for SMS delivery. While on the other hand, a phone number is used by individual phone users for communication. 

• Configuration

SMSC numbers are pre-configured by the mobile carriers and can be changed manually if required. Whereas phone numbers are assigned by network providers or SIM card providers and cannot be changed manually (one needs to switch numbers or providers). 

• Association

SMSC numbers are a part of the telecom infrastructure and do not belong to an individual. Whereas, a mobile phone number is unique to a user.  

• Structure

The structure of an SMSC number is usually in international format, such as +12063130004, a US-based SMSC number. On the other hand, the structure of a phone number also follows an international or local format. for example, +1-555-123-4567 (US phone number). 

• Functionality

Let’s assume that user A with phone number +1-555-111-2222 sends an SMS message to user B with phone number +1-555-333-4444. The SMS first arrives on User A’s carrier’s SMSC with the number +12063130004. The SMSC stores and forwards the SMS message to User B’s network. If in case User B’s phone is switched off, the SMSC holds the message until he is reachable. Once User B is available, the SMSC delivers the SMS to his phone number.

Characteristics of SMSC Number

Unique to MNOs

Every MNO i.e. Mobile Network Operator uses a unique SMSC number which is dedicated to route and manage SMS messages within their network.

Backend Functionality

SMSC Numbers operate behind the scenes thus acting as the backend infrastructure for SMS communication, responsible for storage, routing, and delivery of text messages to recipients.

Invisibility

SMSC numbers are not directly visible or accessible to end-users during regular SMS communication. the mobile device i.e. phone of the user automatically transmits the SMSC number along with the text message content when an SMS is sent.

Used for Routing

SMSC numbers are used for routing SMS messages between mobile devices and across different networks, ensuring reliable delivery.

Reasons to Change SMSC Number

“Message Not Sent” – is this the notification you get every time you try to send an SMS message? Typically, a mobile user doesn’t need to know or change the SMSC number. However, at times, it becomes essential to change your mobile device’s SMSC number. Some of the most common reasons are:

• Not Able to Send/Receive SMS

You type in the text and hit the send button but the message remains undelivered. Similarly, you are unable to receive messages from other mobile phone users. probably, you recently witched your phone or SIM cards which is why you can’t send or receive texts. In such situations, changing the SMSC number could resolve the issue. 

• Optimize Message Delivery

You are a frequent traveler switching between different regions and network operators and experience delays in receiving and sending messages. Altering the SMSC number to a more geographically relevant one might help in optimizing the speed and reliability of SMS message delivery in some instances. 

• Switching Carriers

Often mobile phone users change their carriers to avail of new plans, offers, and features. However, when a user shifts to a different carrier but still the mobile device uses the old SMSC number, then they might need to update it to ensure smooth delivery of SMS messages. This is because, during the transition, the SIM card changes but the mobile device still holds the old SMSC number. The mismatch in the SMSC number disrupts the routing and delivery of SMS messages. 

• International Travel

International roaming charges are often high and can add an unexpected burden to your pocket. Besides calling, SMS messaging is one area that international travelers use for communicating with their friends and family. When you are roaming, your mobile device might be connected to a local SMSC, resulting in higher charges for SMS messages. If in such situations, you can update it to your home carrier’s SMSC number to prevent higher charges. 

• Troubleshooting SMS Issues

For any other types of SMS-related issues, MNOs or device manufacturers may recommend changing the SMSC number. 

Now that we have understood the significance of the Short Message Service Center Number and the situations in which you might need to update it, let’s move on to the practical part. In the next section, you will learn to view and update your SMSC number on various platforms. Let’s go! 

How to Change SMSC Number?

Depending on the device and operating system, the process of changing the SMSC number will vary. I will show you how you can change your SMSC address on different mobile platforms. 

Change SMSC Number On Android

To update the SMSC number on Android, follow the below-mentioned steps:

• Open the “Phone” app.
• Dial ##4636## to access the testing menu.
• Tap on “Phone Information” or “Device Information.”
• Find the “SMSC” field and tap to edit.
• Enter the new SMSC number provided by your operator.
• Tap “Update” or “Set” and restart your device.

Change SMSC Number on Feature Phones

• Open the messaging app.
• Go to messaging settings.
• Look for “SMSC” or “Message Center Number.”
• Edit the SMSC number provided by your mobile network operator.
• Save the changes.

Change SMSC Number on the Latest iOS Phones

Unfortunately, there’s no direct way to change the SMSC number on iOS devices without jailbreaking. If you suspect an issue, contact your carrier for troubleshooting or consider using a third-party SMS app that allows manual SMSC configuration, but make sure to use caution and research reputable options only. 

Besides this, you can update your Carrier Settings. Here are the steps:

• Tap Settings 
• General 
• About. 
• If an update is available, you’ll see an option to update your carrier settings.

Make sure your device is connected to a Wi-Fi or cellular network.

Change SMSC Number on Old iOS Devices (iPhone)

• Open the “Phone” app.
• Dial #50057672# and tap the call button.
• View the current SMSC number.
• Dial **50057672NEWNUMBER# to change it, replacing NEWNUMBER with the new SMSC number.
• Restart your iPhone.

Test the Changes

Now that you have updated the SMSC number on your mobile device, it is important to test the changes. You can do this by sending a test SMS and verifying the successful delivery of the SMS message. Through this testing, you will be able to ensure that the new SMSC configuration is working fine as intended. 

Key Points to Consider when Changing SMS Center Number

• Changing the SMSC number incorrectly can disrupt your SMS services. 
• It is recommended not to change your SMSC number unless you are sure. 
• In most cases, the automatic SMSC number configuration done by your carrier should work seamlessly. 
• If in case you are considering any third-party apps offering SMSC management, you must practice cautiousness to stay safe from spoofing and interception. Go with the reputable options only. 

How to Contact Your Mobile Service Provider For Support?

In case you are not sure about your SMSC number, and have trouble with your SMS service, it is best to get in touch with your Mobile Service Provider. Typically mobile service [providers are available through various support channels including phone, chat, email, etc. You can look for a direct support number, social media account, live chat facility on the website, support forums, troubleshooting guides, etc. 

Last Words

If there are no SMSCs then messaging would be a chaotic mess. Just imagine billions and millions of text messages flooding the main phone network, causing nothing but congestion. SMSCs ensure smooth and efficient SMS delivery. 

Although in general SMSC number is configured as default on your device by your carrier, however, there are some situations in which you might need to change the SMSC number. By following the instructions provided in this post, you can easily view, edit, or update SMSC numbers on various platforms including Android. If further issues persist, we recommend you contact your mobile operator to get the best solution possible. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an SMSC number and why is it important?

The SMSC (Short Message Service Center) number ensures your SMS messages are sent and received by routing them through the network. Without it, messaging services may not function.

How do I remove SMSC number from my phone?

Removing the SMSC number can prevent you from sending SMS messages. However, if you still need to remove it, then you can do it from your phone device’s settings section. Other methods to remove SMSC numbers include using the phone dialer code, using a SIM Toolkit App, resetting network settings, and contacting the carrier for support. 

How do I find the correct SMSC number for my network?

Check your mobile operator’s website, contact their customer support, or check the SIM toolkit on your device for the SMSC number.

Does changing the SMSC number delete my messages?

No, changing the SMSC number only affects the routing of new messages and does not impact existing ones stored on your phone or SIM.

How do you reset the SMS center number?

Go to your phone’s SMS settings, select “Restore Default,” and restart your device. It will restore the default settings. If you face any issues, it is best to contact your network provider.

What if my phone doesn’t allow SMSC changes?

Update your messaging app, use USSD codes, contact your carrier, or use AT commands via a terminal app or PC to update the SMSC.

Note: This post has been updated with latest information on 20-02-2025.

The post How to Change SMSC Number on Your Mobile? Step-by-Step Guide appeared first on Revesoft Blog.

An enterprise SMS gateway is a simple, robust, and automated solution that helps businesses leverage the power of SMS communication. This post will discuss the role of enterprise SMS gateways in enterprise messaging, a technical view of their workings, real-life scenarios where gateways play their part, and best practices to follow when using them. You’ll also learn about our REVE SMS gateway platform, which is an enterprise-grade solution for wholesale and retail SMS trading. 

So, let’s get started!

What is Enterprise SMS?

Enterprise SMS refers to the use of Short Message Service (SMS) by companies/ organizations, typically in high volumes, to facilitate direct and immediate communication with customers and automate bulk messaging at scale.

Some of the most common scenarios where enterprise SMS is used are marketing campaigns, emergency notifications, customer feedback and surveys, and event promotions. 

What is Enterprise SMS Gateway?

Unlike consumer-grade SMS systems, enterprise-grade SMS gateway solutions are specifically designed to meet the communication demands of large organizations. In other words, using an enterprise SMS gateway, businesses can integrate the SMS functionality into their existing applications and workflows and can send and receive SMS messages in bulk volumes. 

How Does an Enterprise SMS Gateway Work?

To understand the working of an enterprise SMS gateway, simply consider it as a bridge between your business systems and the mobile networks around the world. Here’s how the process happens:

How do Enterprise SMS Gateways process Outbound Messages?

• Message Origination/ Creation 

The business creates an SMS message using a business application such as a CRM. This application then connects with the SMS gateway using an API. The API connection is usually created using: 

1. SMPP i.e. Short Message Peer-to-Peer protocol: It is an advanced, high-performance protocol that works best for large-volume or bulk messages. 
2. HTTP/REST: These APIs are also widely used because of their simpler implementation and are typically suitable for lower message volumes. 

• Message Processing at Gateway 

Once the connection gets established, the SMS gateway receives the SMS-relevant information such as the content of the SMS, phone numbers of the recipients, etc., from the business application. It then begins formatting this information into a standard version that is compatible with telecom networks.

• Message Delivery 

Then the SMS gateway determines the appropriate MNOs or telecom operators and connects with them so as to route the messages based on the recipient’s phone numbers. It then sends the formatted SMS messages to the SMSC of the MNO, which then delivers the message to the recipient’s or end users’ mobile devices.

In essence, we can say that an enterprise SMS gateway performs various tasks for the successful delivery of SMS messages. From the translation of the message to an understandable format, routing it to the appropriate operator, managing the delivery, and reporting, the role of gateway spans throughout the SMS process.

Use Case of SMS Gateway in Enterprise Environment

Instant communication is no longer a luxury in today’s mobile-first world, it’s a necessity. This is the main reason why businesses need to adopt enterprise SMS gateways to accomplish their instant communication goals. But how? Businesses from different industries are using these gateways, some of the key ones are as mentioned-below: 

Marketing Campaigns 

Every business wants to sell more products or services. A marketing campaign is a plan to get more people to buy its products or services. The most common area where businesses use SMS gateways is for sending promotional offers, discounts, and announcements to a large group of audience. Sending these campaigns helps businesses drive customer engagement. 

Customer Support 

Often, customers need help with the products and services purchased from a business. To solve their issues, they need someone from the business side to assist them. This is customer support.

This is another key area where businesses leverage the power of SMS gateways to connect with customers directly on their mobile devices. By sending SMS messages, businesses can provide customers with updates on support tickets, sending appointment reminders, etc.

Internal Communication 

Besides customers, enterprises must also communicate with employees to share alerts, notifications, and emergency messages. Companies worldwide use SMS for their internal communication needs, as most of the time, communication needs to be done promptly, and SMS is just the ideal tool for this. 

2 Factor Authentication 

Privacy and data security are a paramount concern in today’s digital world. An increasing number of companies are now using 2 Factor Authentication or 2 FA, which acts as an additional layer of security for user logins. The process works like this: 

• A user enters his username and password to access his online account
• The system generates an OTP, or One-Time Password, which is sent to the user’s registered mobile number via SMS. The OTP is typically sent once and is valid for a few minutes only. 
• Upon entering the OTP on the user login screen, the access is granted

This is an effective way to prevent unauthorized access and hacking attempts. 

Appointment Reminders 

Many businesses such as healthcare clinics, real estate agents, online retailers, etc., need to send operational notifications to their customers. These can be in the form of appointment reminders, order status, and booking information. In such scenarios, automated text messages can be real saviors. 

Apart from the above mentioned, there are numerous ways in which SMS gateways are used by enterprises for SMS communication. 

Features of an Enterprise Messaging Gateway

Enterprise SMS gateways go beyond basic text messaging and provide a robust set of features and functionalities, that make them a must-have for modern enterprises. Let’s explore the features of enterprise SMS gateways in detail:

Supports High-volume or Bulk Messaging 

As mentioned, enterprise SMS gateways offer high scalability, i.e., they are designed to handle large volumes of text messages simultaneously. So, when a business wants to send text-based mass notifications or run a marketing campaign for a newly launched product, it can easily rely on enterprise SMS gateways.

SMS Integration with Existing Systems 

Enterprise SMS gateways come with integration capabilities via APIs or Application Programming Interfaces like HTTP, REST, or SMPP). This means that businesses can seamlessly integrate the SMS functionality into their existing systems and applications such as CRM, ERP, etc. This feature is quite useful to enable automated messaging based on specific triggers or events. 

Supports two-way SMS Communication 

While sending SMS messages to customers is important, businesses also need to be able to receive text messages to interact with them. Enterprise SMS gateways support two-way messaging, enabling businesses to receive and process incoming messages. This functionality is useful in scenarios such as gathering customer feedback via text messages.

Provides Security and Compliance 

Enterprise SMS gateway solutions implement the latest and robust security mechanisms such as end-to-end encryption to provide secure transmission of SMS messages. Additionally, these systems adhere to relevant data privacy regulations such as GDPR and CCPA maintaining compliance.

Offers Insights with Reporting and Analytics 

Modern enterprise SMS gateways are packed with advanced reporting and analytics features. With these features, businesses can monitor, track, and analyze various aspects related to messages such as the delivery status of the messages, track message success rates, and performance of the SMS campaigns.

Predefined SMS Templates and Customization 

Enterprise SMS gateway solutions can make sending bulk messages easier by providing predefined SMS templates. Businesses can create and save standard message templates that they can use in other SMS campaigns. They can tweak these templates with dynamic variables to send different SMS campaigns, saving much of their time and effort. 

How REVE SMS Gateway Empowers Enterprise Communication?

REVE SMS Gateway is an enterprise-grade SMS gateway designed specifically for wholesale carriers, SMS aggregators, MNOs, and MVNOs. You can conduct your SMS business with complete ease and reliability through our platform. 

REVE SMS platform facilitates several key features that make it a profitable solution for wholesale and retail SMS trading. Let’s take a look at some of its highlights:

• Available in licensed and hosted version
• Facilitates various types of messaging, including A2P, P2P, and P2A 
• Carrier-Grade Scalability 
• Real-Time Billing and Reporting 
• Seamless API Integration 
• Intelligent routing mechanisms

REVE SMS Gateway stands out for its high performance, extensive features, and user-friendly interface. With its global reach, robust scalability, and real-time capabilities, it is an ideal choice for businesses and telecom operators aiming to optimize their messaging operations.

Enterprise SMS Gateway Best Practices

Enterprise text messaging is a lot more than just sending simple texts. One mistake can impact the performance of your campaigns or can even make you land in legal trouble. Therefore, when using an enterprise SMS gateway, make sure to follow these best practices:

Avoid Spam Like Behavior

If you are sending irrelevant and poorly timed messages to your customers, then it will certainly irritate them and harm your reputation. It is always a good idea to: 

• Categorize your audience based on geography, preferences, and interests. 
• Personalize messages based on the available customer data. 
• Schedule messages according to the customers’ time zones. Try to avoid sending messages during early mornings and late nights. 

Adhere to Messaging Laws

• Obtain Explicit Consent from Your Customers 

This one is mandatory. Before you send SMS messages to your audience, make sure to get clear permission from them. You can take the help of web forms and SMS short codes to get their consent.

• Provide Direct and Easy Opt-Out

If a user no longer requires to receive messages from your business, then he should be able to unsubscribe without any hassle. To honor opt-out requests, you must provide them with clear instructions on how to unsubscribe in every message. A simple example is: Reply STOP to unsubscribe. 

• Comply with Regulations 

The first step to ensure compliance is to familiarize yourself with relevant regulations such as GDPR, TCPA, and DND policies for your target regions. Understand and implement necessary policies to ensure that you don’t face any legal repercussions. 

• Keep a Record of Everything 

Maintaining records of consent, opt-out requests, and message logs can be a lot helpful for compliance and auditing purposes.

Keep your Content Optimized

• Make sure your messages follow the standard 160-character limit. Use clear and concise language. To save characters, you may consider using shortened URLs.
• Clearly state your identity. You can use an alphanumeric sender ID so that it reflects who you are. 
• If your message requires recipients to take action, make sure to provide them with a clear Call to Action. A simple example is to visit our website. 
• Also, avoid sending too many messages to the same audience regularly.

Keep an Eye on Your Delivery Rates 

It is important to ensure that your messages reach the intended recipients reliably. Track the status of your messages using delivery recipients. Make sure to keep a clean customer database by updating your contact lists regularly to remove invalid numbers. 

Scale with APIs and Automation 

Using appropriate APIs can help you handle high-volume messaging efficiently. Integrate your existing business applications and systems such as CRM, and ERP with the SMS gateway. Routine messages such as reminders, order updates, etc., should be automated. 

Choose a Reliable Gateway Provider 

A reliable SMS gateway provider can simplify many things for you. So make sure you evaluate providers based on global coverage, uptime, and scalability. It is better to test the provider’s services by taking a demo or trial. 

Conclusion

We have learned that SMS gateways play a critical role in enterprise SMS communication. Businesses should choose a reliable platform and follow best practices to align it with their communication goals. Interested in a free demo of our robust and reliable enterprise SMS gateway? We will be happy to assist you! 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an SMS API?

An SMS API i.e. Application Programming Interface, is a software interface that allows applications to send and receive SMS messages programmatically. It enables businesses to integrate messaging functionality into their own systems, such as CRMs, ERPs, or mobile apps. SMS APIs are commonly used for sending OTPs, notifications, and marketing messages.

What is the character limit for an SMS?

The character limit for a standard SMS is 160 characters, however, if including special characters, then the limit reduces to 70 characters per message. If in case the message content exceeds the character limit, the message is sent as concatenated SMS i.e. it is split into segments. 

What is A2P SMS?

A2P stands for Application-to-Person. Therefore A2P SMS refers to the text messages sent from a business application to an end user. A simple example of an A2P SMS is that of a booking confirmation message received. Robust SMS platforms like REVE SMS support A2P messaging for automated and bulk SMS communication. 

Can REVE SMS Platform handle the high volume of SMS messages?

Yes, REVE SMS is a telco-grade platform to handle high-volume SMS traffic seamlessly. With its powerful feature set, it ensures scalability, reliability, and minimal latency. 

Is REVE SMS suitable for small or large businesses?

REVE SMS is a versatile SMS platform suitable for both small and large businesses. Its user-friendly interface and powerful features like real-time billing benefit small companies. Additionally, it’s scalability, support for bulk messaging and several other advanced features fulfill the needs of large businesses as well. 

The post Enterprise SMS Gateway: Why Your Business Needs it? appeared first on Revesoft Blog.

What is SMPP Protocol?

SMPP stands for Short Message Peer-to-Peer protocol. Originally, SMPP was designed in the early 1990s to facilitate efficient, quick exchange of text messages between applications and SMS centers or SMSCs. In other words, the main objective was to address the need for a standardized protocol to exchange short text messages between different entities in the telecom domain. 

What is SMPP Gateway?

As the term suggests, an SMPP gateway is a software application that facilitates the sending and receiving of SMS messages between different entities using the Short Message Peer-to-Peer (SMPP) protocol.

What is SMPP Server?

An SMPP server is a centralized platform that facilitates communication between SMPP clients (e.g., applications, businesses) and SMSCs (Short Message Service Centers).

What Protocol Does SMS Use?

Primarily, SMPP is the protocol used for the transmission of SMS messages. Additionally, there are several other protocols used in SMS messaging including MAP (Mobile Application Part), SIP (Session Initiation Protocol), and UCP/EMI (Universal Computer Protocol/External Machine Interface).

While there are other protocols available for SMS messaging, using SMPP is considered quite beneficial because of its speed, reliability, and ability to handle high message volumes. SMPP also provides delivery reports, a plus point that enables businesses to track the status of each message. 

With this, you might get curious to know whether SMPP is only used for text messages or if can it be used for multimedia messages/ MMS. The answer is yes, SMPP is only used for text messaging. For multimedia messaging, there are other protocols being used such as MM1. 

What are the Different Versions of SMPP?

To understand the evolution of SMPP, let’s delve into the different versions of the protocols released and used till date. 

• SMPP 3.3 

The first standardized version, SMPP 3.3 laid the foundation for SMS messaging between external applications and SMSCs. This version of SMPP is quite basic as it supports simple SMS functionality along with submission and delivery. However, advanced features were missing in this version. 

• SMPP 3.4 

The next version of SMPP i.e. SMPP 3.4 came in with two-way messaging capabilities in “transceiver” mode, which allows a single connection for both sending and receiving SMS. Thus, it enables applications to send and receive messages in a single session. Alongside, it supports delivery reports and message concatenation. Because of its robustness and compatibility, SMPP 3.4 is a widely used version for a range of SMS services. 

• SMPP 5.0

The latest version of this protocol, i.e. SMPP 5.0, is an enhancement to its previous versions. It supports more message types and additional data-coding options and comes with improved error reporting, security, and message handling. SMPP 5.0 allows for richer SMS content, however, it is not as widely adopted as version 3.4. 

From the above table, we can easily comprehend that each successive version of SMPP has solidified the role of this protocol in the process of messaging.

Key Components of SMPP

The working of the SMPP protocol involves some technicalities, therefore, it is better to first understand the process in simple words. 

You know that SMS messages are created via mobile phones and computer systems. The process of SMS messaging follows the client server model, where:

• ESME or the External Message Entity is the Client. It is an application or software such as a messaging app that wants to send and receive text messages. 

• SMSC or Short Message Service Center is the Server. It is like a Service provider that handles the delivery and routing of the text messages.

What are SMPP Sessions?

For sending and receiving SMS messages, a communication link is established between an ESME and SMSC. This link is called an SMPP session that acts as a foundational element that allows for the exchange of SMS messages, delivery reports, and other commands, ensuring seamless communication for SMS transmission. 

• Transmitter (TX)

This session type is exclusively used for sending messages from ESME or the client to the SMSC or the server. Transmitter sessions are typically suitable for instances where only outbound messaging is required. For example, a bank sends transaction alerts or notifications to its customers. Here the application binds as a transmitter as it only needs to send messages and not receive any replies. 

• Receiver (RX)

The Receiver session is exclusively used for enabling EME to receive messages from the SMSC. These sessions are typically useful for applications that only need to process incoming messages, without the need to send any outgoing messages. For example, a customer service platform receives SMS-based feedback from customers. Here, it binds as a receiver to process these messages. 

• Transceiver (TRX)

The Transceiver session merges the functionalities of both transmitter and receiver sessions. By doing so, it allows for two-way communication in a single session, reducing the need to manage multiple connections. The Transceiver session is ideal for applications that both send and receive messages. For example, an ecommerce platform binds as a transceiver to handle both sending messages such as order confirmations and also receive messages such as customer queries. 

What are SMPP PDUs?

PDU stands for Protocol Data Unit, which are the core of the SMPP protocol . SMPP PDUs are structured data packets used for communication between an SMPP client (e.g., an application) and an SMSC (Short Message Service Center). As an SMPP session gets established, these PDUs enable initiation, execution and termination of messaging functions. 

They include commands like submit_sm for sending messages, deliver_sm for receiving messages, bind_transceiver for establishing a session, and unbind for terminating a session. Here’s a table showcasing commands and their respective functions:

How does the SMPP Protocol Work?

Let’s explore SMPP sessions in detail to understand how they are initiated, maintained, and terminated. 

Connection Establishment or Binding

The client i.e. the ESME initiates a connection with the SMSC using one of the three modes (transmitter, receiver, or transceiver) of the SMPP protocol session. The connection is established over the TCP/IP and by default it uses port number 2775.

Sending an SMS 

The client or ESME starts sending an SMS to the SMSC using the operation “Submit_SM” PDU. The SMCS processes the PDU and routes the SMS to an appropriate mobile network.

Receiving an SMS 

The SMSC receives an incoming SMS message. It processes the message and sends a “Deliver_sm” PDU to the designated ESME. The ESME receives the PDU and can then display the message to the user. 

Message Acknowledgement 

For each message that is being sent, an acknowledgment from the SMSC is sent to the client using Query_SM  to check the essage status. This tells the client whether the message was successfully delivered, queued, or failed.

Unbinding

The client then sends an Unbind command indicating the session’s end or connection. It can also terminate due to inactivity or network issues. 

Practical Applications of SMPP

There are numerous real-life areas where SMPP protocol plays an important role. Let’s have a look:

• Marketing

Companies send bulk SMS campaigns and promotional messages to customers to increase engagement. 

• Customer Service 

Messages with information about appointment reminders, order confirmations, shipping updates, customer support notifications are sent to keep customers informed. 

• Two-Factor Authentication 

For online transactions, verification codes or OTPs for secure logins are sent to the registered mobile phone numbers of the users. 

• Emergency Alerts

In case of emergency conditions, critical alerts, disaster warnings, and emergency notifications are sent to mass audience via messages. 

• IoT Applications 

IoT devices periodically send status updates and alerts to users to provide them with seamless control and insights into their connected devices.

• Banking & Financial Services 

Banks and financial institutions use messaging solutions to ensure customers stay informed about their account activities and security updates. This usually includes sending transaction alerts, balance inquiries, and security notifications.

• Healthcare 

Healthcare providers leverage messaging to improve patient engagement and operational efficiency by sending appointment reminders, medication alerts, etc.

• Logistics 

Logistics companies use SMS to send delivery updates, tracing information and shipping notifications to customers.

• Education 

Educational institutes use SMS platforms to maintain effective communication with parents, students and staff. This includes sending event updates, assignment reminders, etc.

• Government Services

Government agencies rely on messaging for public communication such as sending tax reminders and election updates.

How to Choose the Right SMPP Software?

Choosing the right SMPP software requires evaluating several key factors to align with your business needs. 

1. First, assess the scalability of the software to ensure it can handle your expected SMS traffic volumes, especially if you plan to grow.

2. Look for robust features like session management, delivery reports, and support for multiple encodings (e.g., GSM 7-bit, UCS2).

3. Compatibility with your existing infrastructure, such as APIs or integration with SMSCs, is essential for seamless deployment.

4. Prioritize security features, including encryption and authentication, to protect sensitive communication.

5. Additionally, consider the cost-effectiveness and availability of support services from the provider, as well as the option for customization to cater to specific business requirements.

6. Open-source options can be ideal for budget-conscious businesses, but proprietary solutions may offer enhanced support and reliability for large-scale operations.

What is SMPP: Key Takeaway!

We have discussed the evolution of the SMPP protocol, and it is quite clear that more advanced versions of SMPP with more features and functionalities can be expected in the coming time. In particular, we can expect to see more features supporting security. 

SMPP (Short Message Peer-to-Peer) is the backbone of modern SMS communication, enabling seamless, high-speed message exchange between applications and mobile networks. Its robust protocol, flexibility, and support for high throughput make it indispensable for industries relying on reliable messaging services, such as telecommunications, banking, e-commerce, and more. 

Whether used via an SMPP server for managing connections or an SMPP gateway for message routing, this protocol ensures secure, scalable, and efficient SMS delivery. For businesses looking to enhance their SMS capabilities, understanding and leveraging SMPP can unlock new levels of communication efficiency and customer engagement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What security issues should I be aware of when using the SMPP protocol?

SMPP can have security vulnerabilities. So you need to be aware of issues like unauthorized access and unencrypted data transmission. To mitigate these issues, it’s important to implement security protocols and mechanisms including IP whitelisting, SSL/TLS encryption and VPNs. 

How are SMPP gateways different from standard SMS gateways?

SMPP gateways typically use SMPP protocol and offer high-speed, two-way, and bulk SMS messaging. On the other hand, standard SMS gateways typically use other protocols such as HTTP and are suitable for simple, lower-volume messaging needs. 

Which industries rely heavily on SMPP for their communication needs?

Industries like telecommunications, banking, healthcare, logistics, etc., include real-time communication, which is why these industries leverage SMPP due to its reliability, ability to handle high-volume and time-sensitivity. 

What are the recommended port numbers for SMPP in various use cases?

By default, 2775 is the port number for SMPP which is also the recommended one for unencrypted SMPP connections. For secure connections over SSL/TLS, port 3550 is typically used. However, it is important to note that the actual port number can vary according to the SMS provider. So it is best to check with them for the specified or custom port number suited to your use case. 

Can SMPP be used for international SMS?

Yes, SMPP supports international SMS. However, it is crucial to note that careful configuration and consideration of international roaming charges and regulatory compliance is required in such cases.

Can SMPP be used for two-factor authentication (2FA)?

Yes, SMPP can be used for 2FA by sending time-sensitive codes to users via SMS.

In what ways does SMPP enhance the reliability of message delivery?

SMPP establishes direct connections with SMSCs reducing the point of failure. Also, SMPP provides delivery reports, allowing senders to ascertain whether the message was successfully delivered, queued, or failed. Furthermore, SMPP efficiently maintains stable sessions through queue prioritization and rate limiting, ensuring that messages are sent consistently between sender and SMSC without unnecessary disruptions. 

The post What is SMPP and How it Works? A Detailed Guide appeared first on Revesoft Blog.

What is SS7 in Telecom?

SS7 stands for Signaling System 7 and is also known as SS7 signaling. It is a global standard comprising a set of protocols used for telecommunications signaling for PSTN communication networks. 

Let’s put it in simple words for you.

Primarily, SS7 protocols are used for PSTN telephone calls i.e. set up and tear down. However, the usage of SS7 protocols expands to several other areas such as SMS, local number portability, etc. 

Before SS7 came into existence, telecom networks relied on in-band signaling i.e. control signals were sent over the same path as voice communication. This in-band signaling was easily vulnerable to frauds such as tone-based highjacking. SS7 made a transformative shift by introducing out-of-band signaling, that offered many benefits including: 

• Improved call setup time and routing speed 
• Increased security as signaling separated from voice channels 
• Reduced congestion on voice paths. 

Originally termed as Common Channel Interoffice Signaling, SS7 standard was introduced in 1970 and was deployed in circuit-switched networks like the PSTN. While many national variations of SS7 protocols adhere to ANSI and ETSI standards, the Chinese and Japanese TTC variants offer unique characteristics.

It was during the 1980s, that the actual standardization took place i.e. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) formalized the SS7 protocol and it became the global standard for signaling in telecom. Certainly, the interoperability of this protocol across different carriers and vendors was ensured. 

Now that we have learned about how SS7 came into existence, let’s move ahead and learn more about some of the key components of the SS7 network.  

What are SS7 Switches?

SS7 switches are an important backbone component of the SS7 network. These specialized networking devices are responsible for routing and managing signaling traffic. The very purpose of SS7 switches is to manage the communication between network elements in a PSTN or cellular network. These switches mainly interconnect with SS7-capable devices like HLR, VLR, and SCP, or other telephone network switches and are not used to connect a local exchange to a customer.

There are many functions that SS7 handles, including:

• Call setup and tear down
• Call routing
• Advanced calling features
• Short Message Service (SMS) transmission
• Database queries

Components of SS7 Switches 

SS7 switches consist of specialized nodes in an SS7 network, including:

• Signal Transfer Point (STP)

A crucial component of the SS7 network, STP is responsible for routing signaling messages between different elements within the network and ensuring that messages are directed to the correct destination.

• Service Switching Point (SSP)

SSPs are responsible for initiating and terminating signaling communication for setting up calls or services. 

• Service Control Point (SCP)

SCPs interfaces with databases like HLR or VLR to provide advanced services (e.g., toll-free call routing or prepaid billing).

What are SS7 Signaling Links?

SS7 signaling points are the points of interconnection between different network elements. They can be classified into two main types: 

• Point Codes: These are unique codes assigned to network elements, such as switches and routers. 
• Service Codes: These are codes that identify specific services, such as voice, SMS, and data.

What are SS7 Signaling Modes?

Signaling modes are the paths taken by signaling messages between network nodes. SS7 networks mainly prefer 2 types of signaling modes i.e. Associated Mode and Quasi-Associated Mode. However, there’s another mode called the Non-associated signaling mode, which is sometimes used but not preferred. Let’s understand these signaling modes in more details, one by one:

• Associated Mode

In this type of signaling mode, signaling messages are associated with a specific call and are transmitted on the same channel as the voice or data traffic. This mode is ideal for simple and small setups without complex routing needs.

• Non-Associated Signaling

In non-associated signaling, the signaling messages do not travel over the same channel or path as the user data, but instead, they are routed through an entirely separate signaling network. This mode is ideal for large, complex networks and improves network resilience as messages are routed dynamically

• Quasi-Associated Mode

Quasi-Associated Signaling is a hybrid mode where signaling messages take an indirect path via one or more intermediate STPs, but these paths are pre-determined. Once the messages reach a final STP, they are delivered directly to the destination node.

How does Signaling System 7 work for SMS?

Here, we will discuss the working of SS7, particularly for SMS delivery to understand how SS7 plays a crucial role in the delivery of SMS messages: 

• Message Creation

When you compose an SMS message on your phone, it’s converted into a specific format.

• Sending to the Mobile Network

Your phone sends the SMS to the nearest mobile network tower.

• SS7 Network Involvement

The mobile network then uses the SS7 network to route the SMS to the recipient’s network.

• Message Routing

The SS7 network, consisting of various switches and routers, determines the optimal path for the SMS.  It may pass through multiple networks and countries before reaching the destination network.  

• Delivery to the Recipient’s Phone

The SMS is finally delivered to the recipient’s mobile phone, which decodes and displays the message.

Several key components of SS7 contribute to the entire process of successful delivery of SMS messages. Let’s take a look:

The Emergence of SIGTRAN

With the expansion of mobile networks in the 1990s, SS7 further solidified its role as a critical protocol. When in 2000s the internet and VoIP technology ushered in, traditional circuit-switched networks began transitioning to packet-switched systems. During this time, though SS7 remained dominant, it faced challenges in terms of security, scalability and adaptability to IP-based networks.

SIGTRAN stands for Signaling Transport protocol. Primarily, this protocol was developed to address the limitations of SS7, enabling it to operate over IP networks. In other words, SIGTRAN emerged as a solution to integrate SS7 signaling with the modern IP infrastructure, while addressing its scalability and security shortcomings. 

This transition brings several advantages for the telecom signaling, including:

• Better Scalability and Flexibility 

IP-based networks can handle a much larger volume of signaling traffic. SIGTRAN leverages the inherent scalability and flexibility, thus allowing for easier network expansion and adaptation to changing traffic patterns.

• Cost Efficiency 

SIGTRAN utilizes existing IP infrastructure, thus reducing the dependency on costly SS7-specific hardware and leased lines. This helps in reducing CAPEX i.e. capital expenditure associated with dedicated signaling networks. Furthermore, IP networks make efficient use of resources, which lowers the operational costs i.e. OPEX.

• Enhanced Security 

SS7 lacks encryption, however, SIGTRAN can employ advanced security mechanisms such as encryption and authentication. Additionally, SIGTRAN allows the use of secure IP protocols such as IPsec and TLS. Altogether, this helps protect against eavesdropping, message tampering, and other threats.

Key Protocols in SIGTRAN

The SIGTRAN family of protocols includes several names, of which we are going to discuss the main 3 protocols, as mentioned below:

• Stream Control Transmission Protocol (SCTP)

The SCTP protocol offers features like multi-streaming and multi-homing for reliable, ordered, and flow-controlled transport of signaling messages. 

• M3UA (Message Transfer Part 3 User Adaptation)

It maps SS7 messages onto SCTP / Adapts SS7’s MTP Level 3 for IP networks, enabling seamless communication between SS7 and IP domains.

• SUA (Signaling Connection Control Part User Adaptation Layer)

It Enables SCCP user messages and service interfaces to traverse IP networks via an SCTP adaptation layer. 

Overall, In summary, while SS7 and SIGTRAN serve the same purpose for SMS delivery, SIGTRAN modernizes the process by leveraging IP networks, offering greater efficiency and scalability. Let’s move ahead to discuss how SS7 and SIGTRAN coexist in modern networks. 

SS7 and SIGTRAN Interworking in SMS Delivery

Today, many telecommunications networks employ a hybrid approach i.e. combining SS7 and SIGTRAN. This interworking brings together complex protocols and mechanisms to ensure a smooth transition to IP-based signaling. In hybrid networks, SS7 is used for legacy systems like 2G, 3G networks. In 4G/LTE and IP-based systems, SIGTRAN bridges SS7 with these networks.

Our platform, REVE SMS, is designed to support both SS7 and SIGTRAN, providing robust and scalable solutions for SMS delivery in various network environments. 

Let’s move further to understand how our SMS platform effectively makes use of SS7 framework for successful SMS delivery. 

How REVE SMS Leverages SS7 for SMS Delivery?

SS7 remains a cornerstone in traditional telecom networks like GSM and PSTN, making it an essential component for SMS delivery in legacy systems. REVE SMS harnesses SS7 to enable seamless message delivery through:

• Direct Connectivity with Legacy Networks

REVE SMS utilizes SS7 to connect directly with Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and key elements like SMSC (Short Message Service Centers). This ensures fast and reliable message transmission across global networks.

• Real-Time Routing and Signaling

With SS7, our platform ensures efficient message routing by communicating with databases such as HLR (Home Location Register) to verify subscriber information and determine the correct destination for SMS.

• Support for Advanced Features

Beyond basic SMS delivery, REVE SMS supports advanced SS7 features like delivery receipts (DLRs) and message prioritization, critical for time-sensitive communication in industries like banking or healthcare.

Besides SS7, REVE SMS platform also supports SIGTRAN for SMS delivery, which is explained in the next section. 

How does REVE SMS Optimizes SMS Delivery with SIGTRAN?

As networks evolve towards IP-based infrastructures, SIGTRAN plays a pivotal role in modernizing SMS delivery. REVE SMS supports SIGTRAN to bring the benefits of IP transport to telecom signaling, offering:

• High Scalability for Growing Traffic

SIGTRAN allows REVE SMS to handle large volumes of SMS traffic efficiently, leveraging packet-switched networks for cost-effective and scalable delivery. This is especially critical for businesses managing high message volumes, such as e-commerce promotions or bulk messaging campaigns.

• Seamless Integration in Hybrid Networks

In networks transitioning from traditional SS7 to IP-based systems, SIGTRAN enables REVE SMS to operate as a bridge, ensuring compatibility with both legacy and modern infrastructures.

• Enhanced Reliability and Performance

Using SCTP, SIGTRAN minimizes latency and packet loss, ensuring faster and more reliable SMS delivery even during network congestion.

Why Supporting Both Protocols Matters?

The diversity in the global telecom network infrastructures is the primary reason for supporting both SS7 and SIGTRAN protocols. While each protocol caters to specific technological environments, having dual support ensures comprehensive compatibility. 

• Supporting Legacy Networks

SS7 is deeply integrated into PSTN networks and dominant in regions with established legacy systems. By supporting SS7, REVE SMS ensures compatibility with these networks, without requiring infrastructure upgrades. This is extremely beneficial for operators that prioritize cost-effective and reliable services using their existing infrastructure. 

• Supporting Modern IP-Based Networks

In recent times, telecom operators have rapidly shifted towards modern IP-based networks, owing to these networks’ flexibility, scalability, and cost-efficiency. By supporting SIGTRAN, REVE enables operators to leverage the benefits of these modern networks. 

• Hybrid Networks

Many telecom operators operate hybrid networks, where SS7 and SIGTRAN coexist. Such scenarios are common when transitions happen from legacy to IP-based infrastructures. By supporting both SS7 and SIGTRAN, REVE SMS ensures that messages can seamlessly traverse the mixed environments, thus providing a unified solution that adapts to any infrastructure. 

This versatility ensures that REVE SMS can meet the needs of global businesses, regardless of the telecom infrastructure in place. 

Conclusion: What is SS7?

The combination of SS7 and SIGTRAN has revolutionized SMS delivery, supporting billions of messages sent daily with unmatched reliability and global reach. While SS7 laid the foundation with its robust signaling capabilities, SIGTRAN has modernized the process by integrating IP-based networks, offering scalability, speed, and cost-efficiency. 

With over 5.5 billion mobile phone users worldwide relying on SMS for personal and business communication, the role of SS7 and SIGTRAN remains critical. As telecommunications evolve with technologies like 5G, these protocols will continue to adapt, ensuring the seamless delivery of SMS in an increasingly connected world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is SS7 important for SMS-based businesses?

SS7 ensures reliable delivery of SMS messages, which is critical for applications like OTPs, alerts, and marketing campaigns.

How can businesses transition from SS7 to modern systems?

Businesses can adopt SIGTRAN or fully IP-based systems like SIP to benefit from lower costs, greater scalability, and enhanced security.

What are the security risks associated with SS7?

SS7 vulnerabilities include unauthorized access, call interception, SMS spoofing, and location tracking.

What are the main components of SS7 networks?

The main components of an SS7 network are the SSP (Service Switching Point), STP (Signaling Transfer Point), and SCP (Service Control Point).

Why is SS7 still in use despite its vulnerabilities?

SS7 remains widely used because it is integral to legacy telecommunications systems and global infrastructure.

The post What is Signaling System 7 (SS7)? A Definitive Guide appeared first on Revesoft Blog.

What is A2P Messaging?

In our daily lives, we receive a lot of messages from various businesses. It can be a text message from your favorite brand offering festive discounts. Or there could be a message from your bank informing you about the maturity of your fixed deposit. There are many examples (and we’ll discuss them right after this). Statistically, by 2025 the global A2P messaging market size is expected to grow to USD 72.8 billion from USD 62.1 billion. Source – GlobeNewsWire

In A2P messaging the communication is initiated by a business or enterprise (using a software application to send these messages) and is sent to the recipient’s phone. It is completely different from other forms of messaging such as P2A and P2P where communication is initiated by a person first. 

Also called as business messaging or enterprise messaging, A2P messaging is usually automated (instead of manual typing and sending, programs are used) and targets a large volume of audience. It is important to note that in communication through A2P messaging, replies from the recipients are not expected. A simple example can be a health clinic sending appointment reminders to their patients where the aim is to communicate the appointment schedule and no action/ reply is required from the receivers. 

Examples of A2P Messaging

Let’s take some more examples to understand the practical use of A2P messaging in the real-world. 

• 2 Factor Authentication or 2 FA

Banking and financial institutions use A2P messages for secure authentication and verification of customer logins. One-time passwords or OTPs are sent to customers via SMS messages which they have to enter while logging in to their banking accounts. 

• Alerts and Notifications 

Any important announcements such as low balance alerts, suspicious activity alerts, package shipping and delivery alerts, etc. are sent to customers via A2P messaging. 

• Voting and Surveys 

Another way businesses use A2P messaging for active customer engagement is through voting and surveys. Customers are asked to cast their vote by clicking on the link provided in the message and selecting the preferred option. Similarly, feedback about products and services is also gathered through messages. 

• Marketing Campaigns 

As previously mentioned, businesses often send discount codes, sale alerts, promotional offers, etc., through messages.

How A2P Messaging Work?

1. It starts when an A2P messaging application or software triggers a message on the basis of a predefined event or condition or action. A simple example is of a transaction message that triggers as soon as a customer performs a transaction.

2. From the software application, the message is routed to SMS gateway, which is an intermediary unit between the application and SMSC.

3. The message is then delivered to the respective recipient’s mobile device. 

How is A2P Messaging Different From P2P and P2A Messaging?

A2P messaging mainly has one counterpart: P2P. We will take a detailed look into this messaging style to understand their differences. 

What is P2P Messaging?

P2P stands for Person-to-Person messaging which means one persons sends message to another person. So P2P is basically personal messaging like we send messages to our friends and family and they reply us back. Unlike A2P, P2P messages are not automated i.e. the person manually enters the message. 

Besides P2P messaging, it is important to understand yet another messaging technique called P2A i.e. person to Application messaging. The next section gives you a detailed explanation about P2A messaging. 

What is P2A Messaging?

In this type of communication, an individual or a customer sends a message to the application/business.  It is the reverse of A2P messaging where the application sends a message to the individual. Some common examples where P2A messaging is used include subscribing to services, contacting customer support, etc.

Below is a detailed table highlighting the differences between A2P, P2P and P2A messaging. 

Benefits of A2P Messaging

What makes A2P a good outreach choice? Well, the reasons are many. A major benefit of using A2P messaging is that it helps businesses send messages to a large group of people all at once without compromising on personalization. Yes, A2P messaging can pull data from your database systems and insert them into messages keeping them personalized. Suppose you need to send your order status messages to 20,000 customers at the same time. The A2P messaging system can fetch order status information for each recipient from the database and insert it into the messages. This way it helps maintain one-to-one communication without consuming much time and effort. 

High Engagement Rates

Tell me what’s that one gadget we can’t imagine life without? It’s certainly our mobile phones – they are ubiquitous and indispensable, right? Whenever a notification arrives, it’s normal for all of us to quickly check that notification – it’s hard to resist. The ‘forever within reach’ of mobile phones together with the habit of checking mobile phones often, results in excellent engagement rates. Even the facts tell the same story, check it out:

“SMS messages have an open rate of around 98%, which is much higher than the 20% open rate for emails.” Source – Forbes

Direct and Instant Communication

A2 messages offer immediate delivery which is quite crucial in time-sensitive communication such as emergency alerts, and real-time interactions. 

Cost Effective

If we compare A2P messaging with traditional methods of customer communication such as direct mail or print, then certainly it is a cost-effective approach. Most of the A2P messaging service providers charge very nominal for bulk messaging which helps businesses save a lot while they easily communicate with large audiences.

Enhanced Operational Efficiency

Since A2P messaging can be automated, it eliminates a lot of manual and redundant effort of the business, thus increasing operational efficiency. Also, when the messaging process gets automated, businesses are better able to streamline their tasks.

Send High-Volume SMS Campaigns

While other forms of messaging such as P2P are limited by individual user constraints, A2P messaging is especially designed to help businesses send mass text messages in one go. A2P messaging utilize SMS gateways, operator-level integration which makes it ideal for businesses targeting large-scale SMS campaigns without getting marked as spam. 

Helps Avoid Spam Traps

A2P messaging implements strong spam prevention mechanisms through formal process of brand registration, campaign vetting and whitelisting by the carriers. This is done to distinguish A2P messages from regular P2P messaging so that these messages bypass spam filters. So even when messages are sent in high volumes, they are not flagged or blocked, creating a secure and regulated framework for business communication. 

Offers Flexible Implementation Options

Another significant advantage of A2P messaging is that it offers businesses with the flexibility to implement it as per their choice. Mainly, there are 3 options – 10DLC numbers, shortcodes, and toll-free numbers, with each offering its own set of advantages. Therefore, depending upon the specific needs, messaging volume and budget, a business can use the most appropriate method for their SMS campaigns. 

Goes Beyond Simple Text Messaging

A2P messaging incorporates advanced texting features such as automated and scheduled-based texting, analytics, message status tracking, adding notes, and a lot more. All these features enable businesses to reduce their manual effort while maintaining consistent customer engagement. 

Offers Customization

A2P messaging solutions come with message personalization features so that you can customize texts that recipients can resonate with. By adding information that caters to the recipient’s interests and demographics, you can create tailored messages that can drive more engagement and response rates. 

Integrate Seamlessly

A2P business texting software integrates seamlessly with other business applications such as CRM , helpdesk software, customer support platforms, marketing and automation platforms and even e-commerce and payment gateways. Such integration makes it easier for organizations to benefit from a unified customer view with all customer conversations an data stored in one place. 

What Numbers to Use for A2P Messaging?

The type of number used for sending messages when using A2P messaging can make or break the success of your business campaigns. Mainly there are 3 options to choose from – 10DLC numbers, Shortcodes and Longcodes. Each number type offers unique usage and benefits. So let’s explore more about which number is right for your business. 

1. 10DLC

Also called 10 digit long code, these numbers are simply 10-digit regular phone numbers. By registering with their carriers to use 10DLC numbers, businesses can send messages their customers through these numbers. So the next thing you obviously want to know is: what’s the benefit for a business to use a 10DLC or a 10 digit phone number to send SMS campaigns? What makes these numbers special is that they bridge the gap between those traditional long codes and short codes 

Well, there are mainly 2 benefits, as mentioned below: 

• Maintain Local Presence 

As these numbers resemble the regular phone numbers that people use, which makes them more familiar and trustworthy to the recipients. When messages are received from local-looking or familiar numbers, the likelihood of getting opened and engaged is quite more. 

• Two-way Messaging 

Another benefit of using these numbers is that they support two-way messaging. This means that businesses can engage in real-time conversations with customers which is especially useful for customer service, feedback collection, etc. 

2. Shortcodes

As the term suggests, these are only 5-6 digit numbers. We can also say that these are shortened phone numbers that businesses can use to send and receive text messages. One major benefit of using these concise numbers is that they are easy to recall making it easier for customers to remember and use. 

Shortcodes are mainly of two types:

• Shared Shortcodes 

These short codes are shared among multiple businesses by using some keywords to distinguish between campaigns, for example, Text BURGER to 45678. These codes are best for businesses with budget constraints, however, these codes are not being used in some regions due to compliance and security reasons. 

• Dedicated Shortcodes

The numbers used by modern-day businesses who exclusively own and use them. We can say that a short code is unique to a business which is why these are ideal for larges-scale SMS campaigns and branding. 

3. Toll-Free Numbers

Just like 10DLC, toll-free numbers are also 10-didgit phone numbers, with the difference that these numbers begin with prefixes like 888, 880, 866, 877, 855, 844, 833. Primarily, these numbers are used for voice calls where the receiver is charged for the call, however, in recent times, toll free numbers are being effectively used for A2P messaging. Some typical characteristics of toll-free numbers include the ability to handle medium-volume message broadcasts, cost-effectiveness and a professional approach to connected with customers via SMS messages. 

Laws and Regulations Governing A2P Messaging

Like every technology, A2P messaging is also surrounded by various laws and regulations that one should comply to. Two major regulations include:

1. TCPA

The Telephone Consumer Protection Act in the United States governs the way in which businesses can use automated programs or systems to send messages to customers. In its broadest sense, the law requires businesses to: 

• Obtain explicit consent from customers to receive messages 
• provide an opt-out option to customers every time they receive a message 
• Sending messages only within the specified hours 

2. FCC

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States provides A2P messaging guidelines which are as follows: 

• Obtain consent from all recipients to receive messages. The consent must be documented and stored for reference. 
• Every message should come with the instructions for recipients about how they can stop receiving further communications 
• Messages should be clear and not misleading 
• There should be compliance with carrier requirements for A2P messaging

3. GDPR

The General Data Protection Regulation in the European Union primarily focuses on protecting the personal data and privacy of EU residents. The law requires businesses to: 

• Obtain explicit consent from consumers before sending SMS messages 
• Customers should be informed about how their data will be used 
• Provide an opt-out option so that consumers can withdraw from receiving messages easily 
• Ensure that personal data is securely stored and processed. 

There are several other such laws regulated in different regions around the world including CASL ( Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation), TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India), and CTIA (Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association) that businesses need to follow. One should understand that it is not just about adhering to these laws and avoiding penalties, rather by following these laws, businesses can effectively engage with their audience while making sure that legal and ethical standards are maintained. 

Best Practices for A2P Messaging Compliance

What did we conclude from the above-mentioned rules and regulations? Well, let’s take a look at some of the best practices businesses must follow to comply with A2P messaging regulations. 

1. Obtaining clear and verifiable consent from your audience before sending the messages.
2. Provide them with a simple way to opt-out. 
3. Fulfill your carrier’s requirements i.e. registering your numbers and campaigns
4. Adhere to carrier-specific content guidelines, such as avoiding spam keywords and excessive links.
5. Use a recognizable and trustworthy sender ID to build trust with recipients.
6. Send messages at appropriate times to avoid disturbing recipients.
7. Regularly clean your contact list to remove invalid or unsubscribed numbers.

Which Platform to Use for A2P Messaging Services?

If you are already in the SMS business or are interested in joining this industry by becoming an A2P SMS Aggregator, then you certainly need a robust SMS platform equipped with advanced messaging features. 

REVE SMSC or REVE SMS platform is not just a messaging platform but rather a comprehensive solution designed specifically for SMS aggregators, MNOs, and MVNOs to help them deliver A2P messaging services with complete ease. Our platform supports all types of messages such as Promotional, Bulk SMS, Transactional and Response-driven SMS, etc.

How to Choose an A2P Messaging Provider?

When selecting the right A2P messaging provider, consider these key points: 

• Look for a provider with reliable infrastructure because it is crucial for uninterrupted services 
• It is better to opt for a provider that offers flexible API integration so that you can seamlessly integrate your existing systems 
• Ensure the availability of real-time analytics to gain valuable insights into your A2P messaging campaigns
• Always prefer a provider that adheres to industry standards and regulations
• Get a clear understanding about the pricing structure including monthly charges, per-message cost and any hidden or additional charges    
• Verify that the provider offers reliable customer support because it is essential for quick issue resolutions

Frequently Asked Questions

Which industries can use A2P messaging?

Almost every industry that requires communicating with customers can use A2P messaging. This includes e-commerce, banking, hospitality, education, etc. 

Can businesses track the performance of A2P SMS campaigns?

Yes, by tracking metrics like delivery rates, open rates, response rates, and opt-out rates can help businesses evaluate the effectiveness of their A2P campaigns.

What are some effective ways to ensure A2P messages are not marked as spam?

Some effective ways are registering campaigns with carriers, obtaining explicit consent from the customers, providing opt-out options with every message. 

How to include an opt-out option in A2P messaging campaign?

You can add a clear and concise opt-out instruction in every message. For example, by including “Send STOP to 12345” in your A2P messages provides customers with a straightforward and simple way to opt-out. 

Do carriers check A2P SMS campaigns?

Yes, before a campaign passes from a carrier’s network, it is reviewed and approved by the carrier to ensure compliance and spam prevention. This process is called campaign vetting. 

The post What is A2P Messaging and How Does it Work? appeared first on Revesoft Blog.

Let’s begin!

What is an SMS Gateway?

SMS messages are sent from a software application, usually run on a computer system, to a mobile phone or any SMS-enabled device via the global telecommunication network. In most cases, the messages sent from software applications are not compatible with the SMS and thus need a translation. This is where the role of an SMS gateway platform comes into action. 

SMS gateway or SMS platforms, translate the messages sent from a web application to a format that mobile devices can recognize. Without a gateway, messages cannot travel through the network and get delivered to the intended recipient.

Use Cases for SMS Gateway in Business

Some popular SMS marketing use cases in various industries are: 

Customer Engagement 

One of the most popular uses is customer engagement. This is done by sending promotional messages, discount offers, and new updates like service launches, announcements, etc. about a business’s products and services. The above illustration highlights the example of a promotional text message sent by a business to its customer, with the aim to engage them as they click on the provided link. 

Scheduling and Reminder Messages 

Appointment reminders are another way SMS platforms are used effectively. Automated appointment reminders are sent to customers through SMS messages, which helps reduce no-shows and saves the time and resources of businesses. 

2-Factor Authentication 

2-Factor Authentication is also an area where we can find the role of the text messaging gateway to be quite important. 2FA is used for account verification or password confirmation whenever there is an online transaction. It helps businesses in ensuring effective security and protection against fraud. 

Surveys & Feedback 

Most of the modern-day SMS gateways support 2-way communication  i.e. customers can respond to the business through SMS. The role of these gateways also expands to surveys and feedback, where customers are being sent messages containing surveys and feedback forms. This is done to gather valuable data and insights on the products and services of the business. The above illustration highlights a text message asking the customer for a quick survey. 

Emergency Messages 

These platforms are also used for emergency alerts, i.e., sending urgent messages to employees whenever there is a disaster. This plays a crucial role in the well-being and safety of employees and customers.

In general, industries that rely heavily on SMS communication can benefit from SMS gateways such as healthcare, e-commerce, education, banking, logistics, etc. 

Evolution of SMS Gateways

Until some years ago, text messaging gateways were hardware-based, requiring embedded SIM cards and radios. But with technological advancements and the advent of cloud technology, these gateways have evolved into digital platforms or cloud-based APIs, offering a seamless exchange of text messages between computers and mobile networks.

The modern-day SMS gateways make use of the SMPP protocol, which stands for Short Message Peer-to-Peer protocol, to directly or indirectly interact and route their messages to telco networks. 

First, the messages are sent to SMSC, i.e., Short Message Service Center, via REST API, which connects to the customer database. From there, the SMS messages are routed to the telecom network and then to their intended recipients.

The next section details the entire workings of an SMS gateway system in sending and receiving messages. 

How does an SMS Gateway Work?

SMSCs, or Short Message Service Centers, are responsible for sending and controlling SMS messages. SMSCs on both sides may have different protocols for handling SMS messages. Because of this, they are not able to exchange messages, and this is where SMS Gateways come into the picture. They allow the interworking of SMSC protocols, and thus messages can be exchanged over the network.

In simple words, the application initiates the message request towards SMSC. And it converts the request to a protocol that the operator supports for receiving the request. 

Below is the step-by-step procedure of how a typical text messaging gateway works:

• The first step is about composing the message by the sender from their mobile device or computer.
• The message is to be transmitted to the SMS gateway platform where SMPP, i.e., Short Message Peer-to-Peer protocol, is generally used.
• Once the message reaches the SMS platform, it processes the message. This includes various steps such as formatting the message, verifying the recipient’s phone number, etc.
• After processing, the message is transmitted by the text messaging gateway to an appropriate mobile network. It follows the process of delivering the message to the intended recipient.
• The message reaches the recipient, who receives it on their mobile device, which could be a smartphone or any other basic mobile device.

How do I Access an SMS Gateway?

Setting up an SMS gateway system might appear to be a complex process, but with the right service, things can go smoothly. Here are some general steps that you can follow to use an SMS gateway.

• Step 1: Select a Provider

You will find ample services in the market. So, choose a provider who fulfills your requirements in terms of costs, features, reliability, and scalability.

• Step 2: Get an Account

The next step is to sign up for a text messaging gateway account with the provider that you have chosen. For this, you might need to provide your contact information, payment details, etc., to them.

• Step 3: Obtain API Documentation

API documentation is an important part of integrating the SMS Platform service with your application. By receiving the API documentation from your provider, you will be able to understand the integration process with the service.

• Step 4: Get the Integration Done

Now, it is time to integrate the Gateway Platform service with your application. For this, you can simply follow the API documentation and may need to use an HTTP or HTTPS request to connect with the gateway service.

• Step 5: Test Thoroughly

Once the system is integrated, it is time to do the testing part. You can send text messages to ensure that the messages are delivered to and received by the recipients. 

• Step 6: Monitor and Maintain

It is important to ensure that the platform works properly by testing and checking its performance from time to time. Maintenance is also a critical part, so make sure you are updating the API keys as well.

Using SMS Gateway Service to Send Bulk SMS 

Bulk messaging is an integral part of modern-day business marketing; organizations often need to send mass text messages efficiently so that they can circulate to a large number of recipients simultaneously. It is also a cost-effective way to reach the intended audience, especially compared to other traditional marketing methods. Also, most of the SMS gateways include APIs for integrating with other business systems such as CRM, ERP, etc. which is an additional benefit. 

Modern-day SMS gateways make it quite simple to integrate bulk messaging into a business’s existing marketing and communication strategy. It only requires integrating the business website or application with the SMS gateway to directly start bulk messaging. So if you ask, why do businesses use SMS Gateways? Because SMS gateways offer businesses a wide range of benefits including the ability to communicate instantly with customers, send mass texts at once, increased throughput and speed, security of messages, delivery reports, analytics, etc. 

How do I find the best SMS Gateway System for my Business?

You want to send and receive messages for business, and you certainly need a text messaging gateway to accomplish that. To find a suitable one, you can reach out to a reputable SMS platform provider as they are easily reachable through the web. These gateways are maintained by these service providers, which lessens a lot of work from your shoulders. You just need to subscribe to the service to get started.

Finding the best solution for your business can be a daunting task, given the large number of options available in the market. Here are some key factors to consider:

• Coverage

Look for a gateway that provides global coverage with a wide range of mobile networks and countries so that you can reach your customers anywhere in the world.

• Features

Consider the features offered by the SMS platform, such as personalization, automated campaigns, analytics, and reporting, and choose the ones that align with your business goals and communication needs.

• Integration

Look for a gateway that can integrate with your existing business systems, such as CRM, marketing automation, or e-commerce platforms, using APIs or plugins, to streamline your communication processes and improve customer experience.

• Pricing

Compare the pricing plans offered by different providers and choose the one that provides the best value for money based on your communication volume and frequency.

• Support

Consider the quality and availability of customer support offered by the gateway, including technical assistance, training, and troubleshooting.

• Security and Compliance

Ensure that the platform adheres to data protection measures, obtains consent from customers, and maintains accurate records to comply with relevant laws and regulations such as GDPR, CCPA, and TCPA.

• Reputation

Look for a platform with a good reputation and track record in the market, with positive reviews from other businesses and industry experts.

By considering these factors, you can find the best SMS platform for your business that meets your communication needs, enhances customer engagement, and drives business growth.

Which SMS Gateway Should You Use?

REVE SMS Platform is an enterprise-grade solution that allows sending of all types of SMS messages, such as promotional SMS, bulk SMS, transactional SMS, response-driven SMS, etc. From a technical perspective, the REVE SMS Platform uses MySQL Database to store and manage data related to SMS. The platform is built using the Java programming language and is hosted on the Linux OS. REVE SMS platform supports multiple communication protocols like SMPP, HTTP, and HTTPS for sending and receiving messages. 

REVE SMS platform is capable of handling Unicode characters for multilingual messaging and provides API responses in JSON format. These responses can be parsed by developers using JSON, XML, or plain text parsers. Using this platform, companies can handle carrier-grade SMS traffic without any difficulty.

Below mentioned are some of the major reasons why you should go with REVE SMS:

• Easily Scalable

You can choose a licensing capacity according to the needs and requirements of your business. As your customers and business size increase, you can switch to a larger licensing capacity without any worry.

• Advanced Routing

Routing plays a very crucial role in terms of revenue generation and gaining an edge in the market. Routing forwards the desired SMS messages to their ultimate destination by making use of various logic. And since there are so many routes available, it is important to go through the best ones. REVE SMS Gateway makes use of all types of advanced routing algorithms such as LCR, LLR, percentage, or time-based routing along with failover retry.

• Minimal Investment and Flexible Licensing

REVE SMS Platform is an ideal choice for those who are starting their SMS business as it requires a very low investment. Besides this, there is complete flexibility in licensing since one can opt for multiple licenses as required.

• Effortless Installation

Installation of REVE SMS Gateway platform is quite easy. Our team will help you with the installation and provide training to use the application easily. Also, you get 24/7 online technical support from our customer-friendly agents.

As per statistics, “A bulk text message system can produce 6-8 times higher engagement rates than email.” Moreover, SMS has the highest of all the ‘message open’ rates in existence. So, there’s no denying the fact that bulk SMS messaging is a secure, reliable, and fast way to reach customers around the world. Get in touch with us to know more about the REVE SMS Platform.

How can I get started with REVE SMS Gateway?

REVE SMS Gateway is a powerful, feature-rich, and easy-to-use platform that helps businesses in sending and receiving SMS messages to and from their customers. To get started with REVE SMS Gateway, you will be offered a free demo. You can test the performance of the REVE SMS Platform. Please fill out this form to get started with REVE SMS Gateway.

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How to Choose The Right SMS Platform for Business?

Note- This post has been updated on 05-12-24.

The post SMS Gateway: What it is and How it Works? appeared first on Revesoft Blog.