Frequently Asked Questions
Use a reputable SMS provider like Twilio, Sinch, MessageBird, or Plivo. Ensure the recipient's number includes the +291 country code and follow provider-specific API guidelines for successful delivery. Due to Eritrea's telecommunications landscape, two-way SMS isn't currently supported, and other limitations may apply.
The Mobile Country Code (MCC) for Eritrea is 657. This code is essential for routing international SMS messages correctly to Eritrean mobile numbers.
According to current provider capabilities, Eritrea, under its sole operator EriTel, does not support two-way SMS. This restricts interactive messaging campaigns and automated response systems.
Specific SMS marketing regulations aren't extensively documented, but adhere to general telecom guidelines. Prioritize obtaining explicit opt-in consent, honor opt-outs promptly, and respect local customs regarding messaging times and content.
The best time to send SMS messages in Eritrea is between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM local time (EAT, UTC+3). Avoid sending during religious holidays, national celebrations, and Friday prayer times (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM).
No, sending SMS to landline numbers in Eritrea is not supported. Attempts will result in delivery failure and a 400 response error (code 21614) from messaging APIs, without incurring charges.
Process opt-out requests within 24 hours, regardless of whether Eritrea has an official Do Not Call list. Maintain clear records, provide multiple opt-out channels (like STOP commands), and send acknowledgment messages.
While short codes have limited availability, international long codes are supported and preferred for transactional messages. Alphanumeric sender IDs are supported dynamically, but not for pre-registration.
Eritrea supports concatenated SMS messages. Standard SMS length limits apply before concatenation. Both GSM-7 and UCS-2 encoding are supported for handling special characters if necessary.
Restricted content includes gambling, adult material, unauthorized political or religious content, and cryptocurrency promotions. Content filtering may block messages with restricted keywords or unapproved URLs.
Several providers like Twilio, Sinch, MessageBird, and Plivo offer SMS APIs with Eritrea support. Their documentation provides code examples and guidelines for integration and best practices.
A standard rate limit of 1 message per second per destination and a batch sending limit of 100 messages per request typically apply. Daily quotas vary by provider, so check their specific guidelines.
Key best practices include obtaining explicit consent, localizing content, respecting time zones, and managing opt-outs efficiently. Also, consider using clear call-to-actions, testing messages, and monitoring delivery rates.
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Eritrea SMS Best Practices, Compliance, and Features
Eritrea SMS Market Overview
Market Conditions: Eritrea's telecommunications sector is characterized by a state monopoly through EriTel, the sole operator of both landline and mobile infrastructure. SMS usage is relatively widespread for basic communication, though costs and reliability can vary. OTT messaging apps have limited penetration due to strict internet controls and infrastructure limitations. The mobile market predominantly uses Android devices, with iOS having minimal presence.
Key SMS Features and Capabilities in Eritrea
Eritrea supports basic SMS functionality with some limitations on advanced features, operating under a single-carrier system through EriTel.
Two-way SMS Support
Two-way SMS is not supported in Eritrea according to current provider capabilities. This limitation affects interactive messaging campaigns and automated response systems.
Concatenated Messages (Segmented SMS)
Support: Yes, concatenated messages are supported, though availability may vary by sender ID type.
Message length rules: Standard SMS length limits apply before concatenation occurs.
Encoding considerations: Both GSM-7 and UCS-2 encoding are supported, with UCS-2 available for messages requiring special characters.
MMS Support
MMS messages are automatically converted to SMS with an embedded URL link. This conversion ensures message delivery while maintaining rich media access through web links.
Recipient Phone Number Compatibility
Number Portability
Number portability is not available in Eritrea. This means phone numbers remain tied to their original carrier (EriTel).
Sending SMS to Landlines
Sending SMS to landline numbers is not supported in Eritrea. Attempts to send messages to landline numbers will result in delivery failure and a 400 response error (code 21614) from messaging APIs, with no charges incurred.
Compliance and Regulatory Guidelines for SMS in Eritrea
SMS communications in Eritrea are regulated by the Communication Department under EriTel's oversight. While specific SMS marketing laws are not extensively documented, operators must adhere to general telecommunications guidelines and international best practices.
Consent and Opt-In
Explicit Consent Requirements:
HELP/STOP and Other Commands
Do Not Call / Do Not Disturb Registries
Eritrea does not maintain an official Do Not Call registry. However, businesses should:
Time Zone Sensitivity
Eritrea follows EAT (East Africa Time, UTC+3). Best practices include:
Phone Numbers Options and SMS Sender Types for in Eritrea
Alphanumeric Sender ID
Operator network capability: Not supported for pre-registration, but supported for dynamic usage
Registration requirements: No pre-registration required
Sender ID preservation: Varies by carrier and message type
Long Codes
Domestic vs. International: International long codes are supported; domestic availability is limited
Sender ID preservation: International sender IDs are generally preserved
Provisioning time: 1-2 business days for international numbers
Use cases: Ideal for transactional messages and two-factor authentication
Short Codes
Support: Limited availability in Eritrea
Provisioning time: Not specified due to limited availability
Use cases: Not recommended due to limited support
Restricted SMS Content, Industries, and Use Cases
Restricted Content Types:
Content Filtering
Known Filtering Rules:
Best Practices to Avoid Filtering:
Best Practices for Sending SMS in Eritrea
Messaging Strategy
Sending Frequency and Timing
Localization
Opt-Out Management
Testing and Monitoring
SMS API integrations for Eritrea
Twilio
Twilio provides reliable SMS delivery to Eritrea through their REST API. Authentication requires your Account SID and Auth Token.
Sinch
Sinch offers SMS capabilities for Eritrea through their REST API, requiring API Token authentication.
MessageBird
MessageBird provides SMS connectivity to Eritrea with straightforward REST API integration.
Plivo
Plivo offers SMS services to Eritrea with REST API support and detailed delivery tracking.
API Rate Limits and Throughput
Throughput Management Strategies:
Error Handling and Reporting
Recap and Additional Resources
Key Takeaways
Compliance Priorities
Technical Considerations
Best Practices
Next Steps
Additional Resources