New Caledonia SMS Pricing: Compare Twilio, Plivo, Sinch & Infobip Rates - SMS Pricing Guides - New Caledonia, SMS Pricing, Twilio, Plivo, Sinch, Infobip, Pacific Islands, OPT-NC, Telecommunications

New Caledonia SMS Pricing Guide: Compare Costs & API Providers

Compare SMS pricing for New Caledonia (+687) across four leading API providers: Twilio, Plivo, Sinch, and Infobip. Get verified 2025 rates, technical specifications, and telecommunications insights to make informed decisions for your Pacific market messaging campaigns.

New Caledonia SMS Quick Reference

CategoryDetails
Country Code+687
ISO CodesNC (Alpha-2), NCL (Alpha-3)
Mobile OperatorOPT-NC (Office des Postes et Télécommunications) – sole operator
Network Technologies3G (900/2100 MHz), 4G/LTE (bands 1, 3, 20: 800/1800/2100 MHz), 5G (in deployment)
Number Format+687 XX.XX.XX (6 digits after country code)
Smartphone Penetration~71% (2025 projection)
2G StatusScheduled shutdown by January 1, 2026
SMS SupportedMobile only (landline SMS not supported by providers)
Time ZoneUTC+11 (New Caledonia Time)
Official LanguageFrench

Sources: OPT-NC official site, Wikipedia Telecommunications in New Caledonia, Operator Watch Blog (September 2024), Plivo coverage documentation (verified October 2025)

What Makes New Caledonia's Telecommunications Market Unique?

New Caledonia is a special collectivity of France in the Pacific with a unique telecommunications monopoly. OPT-NC (Office des Postes et Télécommunications), a public enterprise established in 2003, controls all fixed and mobile services. No other mobile operators exist in New Caledonia.

Network Infrastructure (2025 Status)

  • 3G and LTE Networks: Extensive coverage with high smartphone penetration (71% by 2025)
  • 2G Shutdown: Progressive shutdown in progress, definitively ending January 1, 2026
  • 5G Deployment: OPT-NC, in conjunction with the New Caledonian government, is progressing with implementation of private 5G networks
  • Network Frequencies:
    • 3G: 900 MHz (rural areas), 2100 MHz (urban centers)
    • 4G/LTE: 800, 1800, and 2100 MHz (bands 1, 3, 20)

International Connectivity

Submarine Cable Infrastructure:

  • Gondwana-1: Connects New Caledonia (Noumea) to Australia (Sydney) since 2008
  • Gondwana-2/Picot-2: Operational since May 2022, linking Noumea to Suva, Fiji (1,515 km), providing redundant international connectivity and connecting Loyalty Islands domestically
  • Hawaiki Cable (Tomoo Branch): Additional connection under development

This redundant infrastructure improves international connectivity and may influence future pricing adjustments.

Regulatory Environment

The Autorité de Régulation des Communications Électroniques et des Postes (ARCEP) provides regulatory oversight, ensuring fair market practices and consumer protection in the telecommunications sector.

Sources: OPT-NC official site, Wikipedia Telecommunications in New Caledonia, Operator Watch Blog (September 2024), Submarine Cable Map, SubTel Forum cable deployment reports (verified October 2025)

SMS API Provider Pricing Comparison for New Caledonia

Select your SMS partner by comparing pricing models and features across four key providers:

ProviderPrice per SMS (USD)Volume DiscountsKey Features & Benefits
Twilio$0.1761AvailableAdvanced API, global reach, robust documentation, programmable SMS, enterprise-grade reliability, detailed delivery reporting, alphanumeric sender ID support, scalable infrastructure
PlivoContact for pricingAvailableFlexible integration, reliable delivery, robust API documentation, multiple integration options, real-time analytics, priority routing, competitive volume-based pricing, carrier surcharge fees apply
SinchContact for pricingAvailableCost-effective, high volume capacity, optimized delivery routes, rich messaging (MMS) capabilities, enterprise-grade security, comprehensive API tools, flexible pricing models
InfobipContact for pricingAvailableComprehensive solutions, local routing, global messaging network, advanced delivery optimization, multiple API protocols, enhanced security features, pay-as-you-go flexibility

Important Notes:

  • Twilio pricing verified from official source (October 2025)
  • Prices change based on volume commitments and negotiated rates
  • Confirm current pricing directly with providers before committing
  • Carrier fees and surcharges apply (additional per-message costs imposed by mobile operators beyond base API pricing – typically $0.005–$0.02 per message depending on destination and volume)

Sources: Twilio.com official pricing page (https://www.twilio.com/en-us/sms/pricing/nc, verified October 2025)

Technical Implementation: SMS Integration for New Caledonia

Phone Number Format and Validation

New Caledonia Phone Number Format:

International: +687 XX.XX.XX
E.164 Format: +687XXXXXX (6 digits after country code)
Example: +687 12.34.56 or +687123456

Validation Requirements:

  • Country code: +687 (mandatory for international SMS)
  • Local number length: Exactly 6 digits
  • No area codes (uniform national numbering)
  • Mobile-only SMS delivery (landlines not supported)

Validation Pattern:

regex
^\+687\d{6}$

Common Validation Errors:

  • Invalid length: Reject numbers with fewer or more than 6 digits after +687
  • Missing country code: Add +687 prefix automatically or reject
  • Landline numbers: Cannot be distinguished by format – expect mobile-only delivery

SMS Technical Specifications

SpecificationDetails
Character EncodingGSM-7 (160 chars), UCS-2/UTF-16 (70 chars for Unicode)
Message SegmentationConcatenated SMS: GSM-7 (153 chars/segment), UCS-2 (67 chars/segment)
Sender ID SupportAlphanumeric sender IDs supported (Twilio verified, check with other providers)
Two-Way SMSSupported by major providers (Plivo confirmed)
Delivery ReportsAvailable from all major providers
Message ConcatenationSupported (Plivo confirmed)

API Integration Considerations

Provider-Specific Features:

  • Twilio: Alphanumeric sender IDs available at no additional cost for New Caledonia
  • Plivo: Supports SMS to mobile numbers, SMS concatenation, two-way SMS, and Powerpack functionality; carrier surcharge fees apply
  • Sinch & Infobip: Contact providers directly for New Caledonia-specific technical documentation

Common Integration Requirements:

  • HTTPS API endpoints required
  • Authentication via API keys or tokens
  • Webhook support for delivery status notifications
  • Rate limiting: Typically 100–1,000 requests/second depending on provider and plan tier

Webhook Delivery Status Example:

json
{
  "message_id": "SM1234567890",
  "to": "+687123456",
  "status": "delivered",
  "timestamp": "2025-10-05T14:32:00Z",
  "error_code": null
}

Handle webhook callbacks with idempotent processing to avoid duplicate status updates.

Sources: Twilio New Caledonia SMS guidelines, Plivo New Caledonia coverage page (verified October 2025)

SMS Provider Deep Dive: Features & Pricing

Twilio SMS Pricing for New Caledonia

Twilio provides programmable messaging, enterprise-grade reliability, and detailed delivery reporting through a well-documented API.

New Caledonia-Specific Pricing (Verified October 2025):

  • Outbound SMS: $0.1761 per message segment
  • Inbound SMS: Not available (send-only with international numbers and alphanumeric sender IDs)
  • International Phone Numbers: Starting at $1.15/month
  • Alphanumeric Sender IDs: Free (send-only capability)
  • Engagement Suite: $0.0150 per message (first 1,000 free monthly) for link shortening, click tracking, and message scheduling
  • SMS Pumping Protection: $0.0250 per message for fraud detection

Key Features:

  • Per-segment billing based on character limits
  • Failed message processing fee: $0.001 per failed message (invalid numbers, network errors, blocked recipients)
  • Carrier fees may apply
  • Volume discounts available (typically 5–15% off at 100K+ messages/month; contact sales for enterprise committed-use discounts)

Source: Twilio.com/en-us/sms/pricing/nc (verified October 2025)

Plivo SMS Pricing for New Caledonia

Plivo prioritizes ease of integration with developer-friendly documentation and flexible API options. The platform offers competitive pricing with real-time analytics and priority routing.

New Caledonia Coverage (Verified October 2025):

  • SMS to mobile numbers: Supported
  • Two-way SMS: Supported
  • Message concatenation: Supported
  • Powerpack functionality: Supported
  • Landline SMS: Not supported
  • Carrier surcharge fees: Apply to all usage

Get Pricing: Contact Plivo sales at plivo.com/contact or request a quote through your account dashboard.

Sinch SMS Pricing for New Caledonia

Sinch focuses on cost-effectiveness for high-volume messaging with optimized delivery routes and rich messaging capabilities, including MMS. Enterprise-grade security protects your data.

Key Features:

  • Flexible pricing models
  • Comprehensive API tools
  • Multi-channel messaging support

Get Pricing: Contact Sinch sales at sinch.com/contact or through your account dashboard.

Infobip SMS Pricing for New Caledonia

Infobip operates a vast global messaging network with local routing capabilities and advanced delivery optimization. The platform supports multiple API protocols for flexible integration.

Key Features:

  • Pay-as-you-go flexibility
  • Global coverage with local routing
  • Enhanced security features
  • Multiple integration options

Get Pricing: Contact Infobip sales at infobip.com/contact or request a quote through your account portal.

What Factors Affect SMS Pricing in New Caledonia?

Calculate total SMS costs by considering these factors:

Cost Calculation Example:

Base rate: $0.1761/message (Twilio)
Carrier surcharge: $0.01/message (estimated)
Message volume: 10,000 messages/month
Volume discount: 5% (negotiated)

Total: (($0.1761 + $0.01) × 10,000) × 0.95 = $1,772.95/month

Geographic Location:

  • New Caledonia's remote Pacific location affects international routing costs
  • Single submarine cable connections (Gondwana-1, Gondwana-2) impact pricing
  • Cross-border agreements and regulatory compliance add overhead
  • Limited competition (OPT-NC monopoly) influences market rates

Message Volume:

  • Providers offer tiered pricing with bulk message discounts
  • Monthly volume commitments reduce per-message costs
  • Enterprise-level messaging enables custom rate negotiations
  • Higher volumes typically unlock better pricing tiers

Service Model Options:

ModelBest ForBreak-Even Example
SubscriptionPredictable volume (±10%)50K messages/month at $0.15/msg subscription vs. $0.1761 pay-as-you-go = subscription saves money above 42.7K/month
Pay-As-You-GoVariable or low volumeUnder 10K messages/month or seasonal campaigns with 50%+ monthly variation
HybridGrowing businessesBase subscription for guaranteed volume + overflow at pay-as-you-go rates

OTT Messaging Apps Impact:

WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger coexist with traditional SMS in New Caledonia. Integrate both SMS and OTT platforms to maximize reach across your target audience.

Key Developments:

  • Mobile internet penetration continues increasing (71% smartphone adoption by 2025)
  • Ongoing infrastructure improvements (5G deployment, submarine cable expansion)
  • 2G network shutdown by January 1, 2026, drives device upgrades
  • Redundant international connectivity improves reliability

Action Items:

  • Monitor infrastructure developments for potential pricing changes
  • Test message delivery across different network technologies (3G, 4G, 5G)
  • Plan for 2G sunset by targeting 3G+ capable devices
  • Leverage both SMS and OTT channels for comprehensive coverage

How to Choose the Right SMS Provider for New Caledonia

Evaluate these factors when selecting your SMS provider for New Caledonia:

Messaging Volume:

  • High-volume campaigns: Prioritize providers offering significant volume discounts (contact Plivo, Sinch, Infobip for quotes)
  • Low-to-medium volume: Twilio's transparent pay-as-you-go pricing ($0.1761/message) offers predictable costs

Technical Requirements:

  • Review API documentation and integration options for your tech stack
  • Verify sender ID support (Twilio: alphanumeric sender IDs confirmed free)
  • Check two-way SMS capabilities if needed for your use case
  • Ensure webhook support for delivery status notifications

Feature Requirements:

  • Programmable SMS and automation: Twilio offers comprehensive tools
  • Message scheduling and link tracking: Consider Twilio Engagement Suite ($0.0150/message)
  • Fraud prevention: Twilio SMS Pumping Protection ($0.0250/message)
  • Multi-channel messaging: Evaluate Sinch and Infobip for broader channel support

Budget and Pricing:

  • Compare total cost including carrier fees and surcharges
  • Request volume-based pricing from all providers
  • Factor in monthly number rental costs (Twilio: $1.15/month for international numbers)
  • Negotiate enterprise discounts for committed annual volumes

Next Steps:

  1. Verify current pricing directly with each provider
  2. Test API integration with your development environment
  3. Obtain test credits (Twilio: $15 trial; Plivo: free tier available) and send test messages to New Caledonia numbers (+687XXXXXX)
  4. Track these metrics: delivery rate (target >95%), average delivery time (target <10 seconds), error rate by type, cost per successful delivery
  5. Start with pay-as-you-go before committing to annual contracts

Frequently Asked Questions About New Caledonia SMS

What is the country code for New Caledonia SMS?

The country code for New Caledonia is +687. All international SMS messages to New Caledonia must include this prefix followed by the 6-digit local number in E.164 format: +687XXXXXX.

How much does it cost to send SMS to New Caledonia?

Twilio charges $0.1761 per SMS segment to New Caledonia (verified October 2025). Plivo, Sinch, and Infobip require contacting their sales teams for current pricing.

Cost Comparison at Different Volumes:

  • 1,000 messages/month: ~$176.10 (Twilio pay-as-you-go)
  • 10,000 messages/month: ~$1,761 (before volume discounts)
  • 100,000 messages/month: ~$16,000–$14,960 (with typical 5–15% volume discount)

Additional carrier surcharges apply to all providers.

Are there multiple mobile operators in New Caledonia?

No. OPT-NC (Office des Postes et Télécommunications) is the sole mobile operator in New Caledonia, holding a telecommunications monopoly as a public enterprise. This monopoly influences pricing and service availability in the market.

Do SMS providers support alphanumeric sender IDs for New Caledonia?

Yes. Twilio explicitly supports alphanumeric sender IDs for New Caledonia at no additional cost, allowing you to use a custom name instead of a phone number as the sender. Check with Plivo, Sinch, and Infobip for their specific sender ID capabilities.

What is the phone number format for New Caledonia?

New Caledonia uses a 6-digit local number format. The international format is +687 XX.XX.XX (displayed with periods) or +687XXXXXX in E.164 format. There are no area codes – all numbers use the uniform +687 country code.

Can I send SMS to New Caledonia landline numbers?

No. Major SMS providers (including Plivo) do not support SMS delivery to landline numbers in New Caledonia. SMS can only be sent to mobile numbers operated by OPT-NC.

Identifying Mobile Numbers: New Caledonia does not use distinct prefixes to differentiate mobile from landline numbers. All numbers use the +687 format. Use phone lookup APIs (e.g., Twilio Lookup API) to verify number type before sending, or expect delivery failures for landline numbers.

When is New Caledonia shutting down its 2G network?

New Caledonia's 2G network shuts down definitively on January 1, 2026. Target 3G, 4G/LTE, or 5G-capable devices in your SMS campaigns, though SMS delivery is generally not affected by network generation.

Expected Delivery Benchmarks:

  • Delivery rate: >95% for valid mobile numbers
  • Average delivery time: 5–15 seconds
  • Failed delivery reasons: Invalid number (40%), network errors (30%), blocked/inactive numbers (20%), carrier issues (10%)

Troubleshooting Common Issues:

  1. Low delivery rate (<90%): Validate all numbers with E.164 format (+687XXXXXX) and remove landlines
  2. Slow delivery (>30 seconds): Check provider status page for network issues or reduce send rate
  3. High error rate: Review error codes in delivery reports – most common: invalid destination, absent subscriber, network congestion

Frequently Asked Questions

To send SMS messages in New Caledonia, partner with an SMS provider like Twilio, Plivo, Sinch, or Infobip. These providers offer APIs and infrastructure to connect with the local telecommunications network, OPT-NC, and facilitate message delivery. Consider factors like pricing, features, and volume discounts when choosing a provider.

The average price per SMS in New Caledonia varies by provider, ranging from around $0.09 to $0.18 USD. Providers like Sinch offer lower per-message costs, while Twilio's pricing is higher but includes additional features. Remember to confirm pricing directly with your chosen provider as rates are subject to change.

New Caledonia's remote location in the Pacific and reliance on international routing can influence SMS pricing. Factors like cross-border agreements, regulatory compliance by ARCEP, and the dominance of OPT-NC in the telecommunications market all play a role in determining costs.

Consider volume discounts when you plan to send a high volume of SMS messages. Most providers offer tiered pricing with discounts for bulk messages and monthly volume commitments, making it more cost-effective for large-scale campaigns.

Yes, Twilio offers programmable SMS capabilities in New Caledonia, allowing you to customize and automate your communications. This feature enables integrating SMS messaging into applications and automating responses, among other functionalities.

OPT-NC (Office des Postes et T??l??communications) holds a monopoly on fixed and mobile services in New Caledonia, significantly influencing pricing and service availability for SMS providers operating in the region. They are also actively expanding internet infrastructure, including FttP and submarine cable deployments.

Compare SMS API providers by evaluating pricing per SMS, volume discounts, key features (like MMS or analytics), and their technical documentation and integration options. Also, consider your specific needs, such as messaging volume and budget, to choose the best fit.

While OTT apps like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger offer alternative channels, SMS remains relevant, especially given increasing mobile internet penetration. Businesses should consider integrating diverse messaging strategies to reach their target audience effectively on multiple platforms.

You can typically choose between subscription plans with fixed monthly fees and message allowances, pay-as-you-go models with usage-based billing, or hybrid solutions combining elements of both. Select the model that aligns with your messaging volume and budget.

Sinch is considered cost-effective for SMS, especially for high-volume messaging, due to their optimized delivery routes and competitive pricing. They also offer additional value with features like rich messaging (MMS) and enterprise-grade security.

Infobip's vast global messaging network and local routing capabilities make them suitable for international SMS campaigns. Their advanced delivery optimization ensures messages reach their destination efficiently, even in remote locations like New Caledonia.

Factors beyond the provider impacting SMS cost include your specific geographic location within New Caledonia, your messaging volume (higher volumes often get discounts), and the chosen service model (subscription, pay-as-you-go, or hybrid).

Plivo offers flexible integration, reliable delivery, robust API documentation, and competitive volume-based pricing, making it attractive for businesses seeking a simple and effective SMS solution.

Key considerations include your messaging volume, technical expertise required for API integration, feature requirements (like programmable SMS or analytics), and overall budget. Balancing these factors helps you select the optimal provider.