Rwanda SMS Guide - sms-compliance -

Frequently Asked Questions

Use a reputable SMS API provider like Twilio, Sinch, or MessageBird. Ensure your recipient numbers are in E.164 format (+250XXXXXXXXX) and that you have a pre-registered alphanumeric sender ID. Adhere to Rwanda's regulations and best practices for successful delivery.
Rwanda has a growing mobile market with high SMS adoption. Key players include MTN Rwanda and Airtel Rwanda. Although OTT apps are rising, SMS remains crucial for business communication, especially with Android's market dominance.
Two-way SMS is not supported through major SMS providers. Businesses cannot receive replies via standard A2P channels, impacting interactive messaging services.
The recommended sending window is between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM local time (CAT, UTC+2). Avoid sending during holidays, Sunday mornings, and sensitive cultural events unless it's an emergency.
Concatenated messages are supported, with standard length limits (160 characters for GSM-7, 70 for UCS-2). Special characters automatically switch to UCS-2 encoding, reducing characters per segment. Support may vary by carrier.
The Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA) oversees SMS communications. Businesses must obtain explicit opt-in consent for marketing messages, support STOP/HELP keywords, and comply with content restrictions. Maintaining opt-out lists is essential.
No, sending SMS to Rwandan landlines is not possible. Attempts result in failure with a 400 response error (code 21614), with no logging or charges incurred.
Global pre-registration is required for alphanumeric sender IDs in Rwanda, with dynamic usage not supported. MTN requires specific pre-registration. The process takes approximately three weeks.
Campaigns must support opt-out keywords (STOP, CANCEL, END, UNSUBSCRIBE) in English and Kinyarwanda. Responses to these commands must be processed immediately and free of charge. Maintain accurate opt-out records. There is no centralized Do Not Call registry.
Keep messages under 160 characters, include clear calls-to-action, and personalize if appropriate. Use both English and Kinyarwanda and avoid potentially problematic content like gambling, adult material, or illegal services.
Rwanda's carriers impose rate limits (MTN: 100/second, Airtel: 50/second). For high-volume sending, use queuing systems, batch APIs, and monitor delivery rates to adjust speed and use exponential backoff for retries.
Common errors include invalid sender IDs, network issues, and incorrect number formats. Implement error logging, monitor delivery receipts, set automated alerts for failures, and categorize errors for analysis.
Limit messages to 2-3 per week per recipient. Be mindful of local business hours and cultural sensitivities. Space out bulk campaigns to prevent network congestion. Consider the business calendar for B2B messages.
Twilio, Sinch, and MessageBird offer SMS APIs with Rwanda support. Ensure you understand key parameters and authentication requirements for each provider. Refer to the code examples in the article for integration guidance.
Check the official RURA website, MTN Rwanda Business Solutions page, Rwanda Data Protection Laws, Rwanda ICT Chamber best practices, RURA telecommunications guidelines, and international SMS best practices for further information.
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