What is the character limit for SMS messages in Germany using GSM 3.38 encoding?

The character limit for SMS messages in Germany using GSM 3.38 encoding is 160 characters per message.

What is the character limit for SMS messages in Germany using Unicode encoding?

The character limit for SMS messages in Germany using Unicode encoding is 70 characters per message.

What happens if an SMS message exceeds the character limit in Germany?

If an SMS message exceeds the character limit in Germany, concatenation is used to split the message into segments that are reassembled on the recipient’s device. However, concatenation may not be supported for certain sender ID types.

Is MMS supported in Germany?

No, MMS is not supported in Germany. Instead, MMS messages are converted to SMS with an embedded URL for accessing multimedia content.

Can SMS be sent to landline numbers in Germany?

No, sending SMS to landline numbers in Germany is not possible. Attempts will result in a 400 response with error code 21614.

What is required for SMS compliance in Germany regarding user consent?

For SMS compliance in Germany, businesses must obtain explicit opt-in consent from users before sending communications, especially for marketing purposes.

When is it appropriate to send SMS messages in Germany?

SMS messages should be sent during the recipient’s daytime hours unless the message is urgent.

What keywords should SMS campaigns in Germany support?

SMS campaigns in Germany should support keywords like HELP and STOP in the local language to allow users to manage their subscriptions.

Are there any restrictions on SMS content in Germany?

Yes, Germany prohibits certain SMS content, such as cannabis-related messages.

What is the best practice for sending SMS to users on do-not-call lists in Germany?

Businesses should avoid messaging users who are on do-not-call or do-not-disturb lists to remain compliant with German regulations.

How should businesses handle SMS messages to machine-to-machine (M2M) numbers in Germany?

Messages to machine-to-machine (M2M) numbers in Germany are delivered on a best-effort basis.

Where can businesses find more information on SMS regulations in Germany?

Businesses can refer to the German Federal Network Agency's website for more information on SMS regulations.

Why is it important to consult legal counsel for SMS campaigns in Germany?

Consulting legal counsel is important to ensure compliance with local regulations and to receive advice tailored to specific legal requirements.

What is the error code for attempting to send SMS to a landline in Germany?

The error code for attempting to send SMS to a landline in Germany is 21614.

How does number portability benefit businesses in Germany?

Number portability ensures consistent reach to customers even if they change their mobile service providers, thus maintaining business communication.

What should businesses do if they need to send multimedia content via SMS in Germany?

Businesses should include an embedded URL in the SMS message to allow recipients to access multimedia content via a web link.

What type of encoding allows for a 160-character limit in SMS messages?

GSM 3.38 encoding allows for a 160-character limit in SMS messages.

What should businesses consider about SMS timing for compliance in Germany?

Businesses should consider sending SMS messages during the recipient’s local daytime hours to comply with timing regulations.

Is two-way SMS supported in Germany?

Yes, two-way SMS is supported in Germany.

Can I send SMS to landline numbers in Germany?

No, SMS cannot be sent to landline numbers in Germany. The Sent REST API will return an error code 21614.

What are the compliance considerations for sending SMS in Germany?

It is important to get opt-in consent from the end-user, avoid sending messages during non-daytime hours unless urgent, and ensure campaigns support HELP/STOP messages in the local language.

What is two-way SMS support in Germany?

Two-way SMS support in Germany allows businesses to interact directly with customers, facilitating customer service, feedback, and interactive marketing.

Does Germany support number portability for mobile users?

Yes, Germany supports number portability, allowing users to retain their phone numbers when switching mobile operators.

What are the major mobile operators in Germany and their market share?

The major mobile operators in Germany are Deutsche Telekom (37%), Vodafone (31%), and Telefónica O2 (32%).

What is the Android vs. iOS market share in Germany?

Android holds approximately 70% market share in Germany, while iOS holds approximately 30%.

What type of consent is required for sending marketing SMS messages in Germany under GDPR?

Explicit consent is mandatory under GDPR and German law for sending marketing SMS messages. This requires clear, affirmative opt-in from the recipient.

What are the recommended timeframes for sending SMS messages in Germany?

It is recommended to send SMS messages between 8:00 and 20:00 German time (CET/CEST) and to avoid sending them on Sundays and public holidays.

Is alphanumeric sender ID supported in Germany?

Yes, alphanumeric sender ID is fully supported across all major carriers in Germany. No pre-registration is required, and dynamic usage is allowed.

Are domestic long codes available for SMS in Germany?

No, domestic long codes are not available in Germany. International long codes are supported.

What are some examples of restricted SMS content in Germany?

Restricted SMS content in Germany includes cannabis-related content, gambling without proper German licensing, adult content, cryptocurrency promotions without proper disclaimers, and political messaging without proper disclosures.

What are some best practices to avoid carrier filtering when sending SMS in Germany?

To avoid carrier filtering, use clear, professional language, avoid URL shorteners when possible, include your company name in the message, and maintain consistent sending patterns.

How often should I send marketing SMS messages to recipients in Germany?

It's recommended to limit marketing messages to 2-4 per month per recipient and space them at least 48 hours apart.

What language should I use when sending SMS messages in Germany?

Default to the German language unless the recipient specifically requests English. Use formal language ("Sie" instead of "du") in business communications.

How long should I maintain opt-out records for SMS in Germany?

Maintain opt-out records for at least 2 years to comply with regulations.

Which SMS API integrations can be used for sending SMS messages in Germany?

Twilio, Sinch, MessageBird and Plivo are among the SMS API integrations that can be used for sending SMS messages in Germany.

What is the standard format for German phone numbers when sending SMS messages?

Always format numbers in E.164 format (+49XXXXXXXXXX).

What German keywords must I support for opt-out requests?

You must support the following opt-out keywords: "STOP", "STOPP", "END", "ENDE".

What should HELP/HILFE messages provide in Germany?

HELP/HILFE messages should provide clear instructions in German.

What should you do to handle MMS messages in Germany, given that direct MMS delivery is not supported?

MMS messages are converted to SMS with an embedded URL link for accessing multimedia content. Use short URLs and include clear instructions for accessing content.

What is the role of the Bundesnetzagentur?

The Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur) oversees telecommunications regulations in Germany.

What is the role of the Federal Data Protection Act (BDSG) and GDPR?

SMS communications in Germany are governed by the Federal Data Protection Act (BDSG), General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and the Telecommunications Act (TKG).

What should you do regarding suppression lists for SMS in Germany?

Maintain internal suppression lists of opted-out numbers, honor opt-out requests within 24 hours, document all opt-out requests for compliance purposes, and regularly clean contact lists to remove inactive or opted-out numbers.

What are some strategies for large-scale SMS sending in Germany?

Implement a queuing system using Redis or RabbitMQ, use batch APIs where available, implement exponential backoff for rate limit handling, and monitor throughput and adjust sending rates accordingly.

Germany SMS Guide

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