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Comparision between type of SMS
DLT SMS
TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) has released new guidelines for the Bulk SMS Service Industry by introducing DLT (Distributed Ledger Technology) - a block-chain based registration system that will maintain the record of all transactions made by business entities.
As per TRAI's new rules, all SMS messages have to be verified before they reach the users and all messages have to be registered in the TRAI DLT platform. These include communication messages like OTP, verification codes, notifications sent by businesses to their customers, etc.
- Service Implicit
- Service Explicit
- Promotional SMS
- Transactional SMS
Types of SMS
Service Implicit, Service Explicit, Promotional, Transactional SMS
Understanding TRAI regulations for sending business SMS in India
| # | Service Implicit | Service Explicit | Promotional | Transactional |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Service Implicit is used to send OTPs, informational messages, booking and order alerts to your registered customers.Not intended for marketing. | Service Explicit is used to send offers, discounts, or updates regarding services to existing customers. | Promotional SMS is used to send offers, discounts, or promotions. The messages may or may not be solicited by the recipients. | Transactional SMS is Used by Banks, Schools, Hospitals, etc to send OTPs and alerts and user specific messages. |
| 2 | Service Implicit SMS will be delivered to all recipients, irrespective of their consent preference. | Service Explicit SMS will be delivered to customers who have provided explicit consent to receive SMS from your business. | Promotional SMS will be delivered to recipients after preference and consent scrubbing. | Transactional SMS will be delivered to all recipients, irrespective of their consent preference. |
| 3 | Service Implicit SMS can be sent 24x7 with no time restriction. | Service Explicit SMS can be sent 24x7 without any time restriction. | Promotional SMS can be sent only between 10 AM and 9 PM | Transactional SMS can be sent 24x7 with no time restriction. |
| 4 | Service Implicit SMS can be sent via 6-character alpha Header approved for your business in DLT platforms. | Service Explicit SMS can be sent via 6-character alpha Header approved for your business in DLT platforms. | Promotional SMS will be delivered with a 6-digit numeric Header approved for your business in DLT platforms. | Transactional SMS can be sent via 6-character alpha character Header corresponding to the Bank’s name, Company's, Institution's name. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Short Code?
Short codes are five digits in length and have to start with the digit '5'. The five digits can be extended by three digits further representing three additional characters. Texts sent to these Short Codes are commonly referred to as Premium Rate SMS Messages and cost around Rs 1 to Rs 3 per text depending on the operator as well as the service. Any length of full message can be sent, ranging from 100–500 (some providers only support).
When to use a short code?
- Competitions & Voting
- Marketing, Promotions, Campaigns
- Two-factor authentication
- Alerts and notifications
Is Long Code Costlier than Short Code?
Long Codes are cheaper to use than short codes.
How is Long Code different from Short Code?
A Long Number is the only type of text messaging code that allows your business to send and receive messages around the world, whether it's to a few different countries or internationally.
Short codes, on the other hand, do not have the capability of inbound or outbound calling. Instead, short codes are more advantageous as they are designed and intended to use when your text messaging campaign requires a high volume of messages that get sent and received daily.