Frequently Asked Questions
Use a reputable SMS API provider like Twilio, Sinch, MessageBird, or Plivo. Ensure the recipient's number starts with +373 and comply with local regulations. Keep messages concise due to the lack of concatenated SMS support.
Moldova supports standard SMS lengths (160 characters for GSM-7 encoding and 70 characters for UCS-2). Concatenated (segmented) messages are not supported, so keep messages within these limits.
MMS messages are automatically converted to SMS with a URL link in Moldova to ensure compatibility across all mobile networks and devices, even older feature phones, while still enabling multimedia access.
Send messages between 9:00 AM and 8:00 PM local time (EET/EEST), avoiding national holidays. Adhere to Moldova's opt-in and opt-out guidelines, similar to European best practices.
No, sending SMS to landlines in Moldova is not supported. Attempts will result in failed delivery, though your account won't be charged. Use alternative channels for reaching landlines.
Moldova emphasizes obtaining explicit consent for marketing messages, honoring opt-out requests (STOP, CANCEL, etc.) in Romanian and Russian, maintaining detailed records, and following best practices similar to European guidelines.
Moldovan regulations require support for HELP and STOP commands in both Romanian and Russian. Keywords such as STOP, CANCEL, END, UNSUBSCRIBE, HELP, INFO, and PAUSE should be recognized and processed.
Process opt-out requests within 24 hours, send a confirmation message, and maintain separate lists for different message types. Regular audits ensure ongoing compliance.
Localize content in Romanian and Russian, keep messages under 160 characters, include clear calls-to-action, and personalize content when possible. Limit marketing messages to 4-5 per month per recipient, spaced at least 24 hours apart.
Alphanumeric sender IDs and long codes (domestic and some international) are supported, with sender ID preservation. Short codes are not currently supported in Moldova.
Gambling, adult content, cryptocurrency promotions, unauthorized financial services, and undisclosed political campaign messages are restricted. Carrier filtering may block suspicious URLs, high-frequency messages, and certain keywords.
While providers have different limits (e.g., Twilio 100/second, Sinch 30/second), implement strategies like queue systems and exponential backoff for large-scale sends, adjusting based on delivery rates.
Implement comprehensive logging, monitor delivery receipts and common error codes, set up automated alerts for failures, and maintain error logs for compliance.
ANRCETI (National Regulatory Agency for Electronic Communications and Information Technology) oversees telecommunications regulations in Moldova, including best practices for SMS messaging.
Refer to the ANRCETI official website, Moldovan telecom laws, and the documentation provided by your chosen SMS API provider (Twilio, Sinch, MessageBird, or Plivo) for detailed information and best practices.
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Moldova SMS Best Practices, Compliance, and Features
Moldova SMS Market Overview
Market Conditions: Moldova has a growing mobile market with high SMS adoption rates. The country's primary mobile operators include Orange Moldova, Moldcell, and Unite. While OTT messaging apps like WhatsApp and Viber are popular, SMS remains a crucial communication channel for business messaging and notifications due to its reliability and universal reach. Android devices dominate the mobile market, though iOS usage is steadily increasing among urban populations.
Key SMS Features and Capabilities in Moldova
Moldova supports basic SMS functionality with some limitations on advanced features, making it important to understand the specific capabilities and restrictions when planning your messaging strategy.
Two-way SMS Support
Two-way SMS is not supported in Moldova through major SMS providers. This means businesses should design their messaging strategies around one-way communications and provide alternative channels for customer responses when needed.
Concatenated Messages (Segmented SMS)
Support: Concatenated messaging is not supported in Moldova.
Message length rules: Messages should be kept within standard SMS length limits to ensure reliable delivery.
Encoding considerations: Both GSM-7 and UCS-2 encodings are supported, with GSM-7 allowing up to 160 characters and UCS-2 allowing up to 70 characters per message.
MMS Support
MMS messages are automatically converted to SMS with an embedded URL link. This conversion ensures that multimedia content remains accessible to recipients while maintaining compatibility with all mobile networks in Moldova.
Recipient Phone Number Compatibility
Number Portability
Number portability is available in Moldova, allowing users to keep their phone numbers when switching between mobile operators. This feature does not significantly impact SMS delivery or routing, as messages are automatically routed to the current carrier.
Sending SMS to Landlines
Sending SMS to landline numbers is not possible in Moldova. Attempts to send messages to landline numbers will result in a failed delivery and may trigger a 400 response error (code 21614) from SMS providers. These messages will not appear in logs, and accounts will not be charged for failed attempts.
Compliance and Regulatory Guidelines for SMS in Moldova
While Moldova is not part of the EU, it follows many European telecommunications best practices. The National Regulatory Agency for Electronic Communications and Information Technology (ANRCETI) oversees telecommunications regulations in Moldova. Though specific SMS marketing laws are limited, businesses should follow international best practices for compliance.
Consent and Opt-In
Explicit Consent Requirements:
HELP/STOP and Other Commands
Do Not Call / Do Not Disturb Registries
Moldova does not maintain an official Do Not Call registry. However, businesses should:
Time Zone Sensitivity
Moldova observes Eastern European Time (EET/EEST). Best practices include:
Phone Numbers Options and SMS Sender Types for Moldova
Alphanumeric Sender ID
Operator network capability: Fully supported
Registration requirements: No pre-registration required
Sender ID preservation: Yes, sender IDs are preserved and displayed as sent
Dynamic usage: Supported, allowing flexible sender ID changes
Long Codes
Domestic vs. International:
Sender ID preservation: Yes, Moldova preserves original sender IDs
Provisioning time: 1-2 business days for domestic numbers
Use cases:
Short Codes
Support: Not currently supported in Moldova
Provisioning time: N/A
Use cases: N/A
Restricted SMS Content, Industries, and Use Cases
Restricted Industries and Content:
Content Filtering
Carrier Filtering Rules:
Best Practices to Avoid Filtering:
Best Practices for Sending SMS in Moldova
Messaging Strategy
Sending Frequency and Timing
Localization
Opt-Out Management
Testing and Monitoring
SMS API integrations for Moldova
Twilio
Twilio provides a robust SMS API that supports messaging to Moldova. Here's how to implement it:
Sinch
Sinch offers comprehensive SMS capabilities for Moldova with support for various message types:
MessageBird (Bird)
MessageBird provides a straightforward API for sending SMS to Moldova:
Plivo
Plivo's API offers reliable SMS delivery to Moldova:
API Rate Limits and Throughput
Strategies for Large-Scale Sending:
Error Handling and Reporting
Recap and Additional Resources
Key Takeaways
Compliance Priorities
Technical Considerations
Best Practices
Next Steps
Additional Resources