SMS Guidelines for the Czech Republic: Everything You Need to Know
When sending SMS in the Czech Republic, understanding local guidelines is crucial for effective communication and regulatory compliance. This guide covers essential aspects like message length, two-way SMS, number portability, and compliance considerations.
Locale Overview
The Czech Republic (ISO code CZ) is situated in Europe, with a mobile country code of 230 and an international dialing code of +420. These details are vital for setting up SMS campaigns targeting this region.
Two-Way SMS Support
Two-way messaging is supported in the Czech Republic, allowing interactive communication between businesses and customers. This feature enhances engagement and customer service.
Number Portability
Number portability is available, enabling users to retain their phone numbers when switching mobile service providers. This is beneficial for businesses maintaining consistent communication with their customer base.
Message Length and Concatenation
The maximum SMS message length is 160 characters. Messages exceeding this limit are split into segments (concatenation) and reassembled by the recipient’s device. Note that some sender ID types may not support concatenation.
MMS Support
MMS is not fully supported. Instead, MMS messages are converted into SMS with a URL link to access multimedia content. This workaround allows recipients to view media without direct delivery to their messaging app.
Sending SMS to Landline Numbers
Sending SMS to landline numbers is unsupported. Attempts result in a 400 response error (code 21614) from the Sent REST API, with no message logging or charges.
Compliance Considerations
Adhering to local regulations is essential. Businesses should consult legal counsel to ensure compliance. Here are some best practices:
- Get opt-in consent: Obtain explicit consent before sending marketing or non-essential messages.
- Respect time zones: Send messages during local daytime hours unless urgent.
- Support HELP/STOP messages: Ensure these commands are available in the recipient’s language.
- Do-not-call registries: Avoid contacting users on such lists.
By following these practices, businesses can avoid legal issues and enhance the effectiveness of their SMS campaigns.
FAQs
Is two-way SMS supported in the Czech Republic?
Yes, it is supported, facilitating interactive communication between businesses and customers.
Can I send an SMS to a landline number in the Czech Republic?
No, sending SMS to landlines is unsupported. Attempts result in a 400 error, with no logging or charges.
What is the maximum message length for SMS in the Czech Republic?
The maximum length is 160 characters. Longer messages are split into concatenated segments.
By understanding and adhering to these guidelines, businesses can optimize their SMS communication in the Czech Republic while ensuring compliance with local regulations. For more information, consider consulting official Czech regulatory resources.