Seychelles SMS Guidelines: Best Practices and Key Information
Sending SMS messages to users in Seychelles requires understanding the specific guidelines and regulations that apply to this locale. This article provides a detailed overview of the key aspects related to SMS messaging in Seychelles, including mobile country codes, dialing codes, message length, and compliance considerations.
Locale Overview
Seychelles is a region located in the Middle East & Africa, and its ISO code is "SC." The mobile country code for Seychelles is "633," and the dialing code is "+248." These codes are essential for businesses or individuals looking to send SMS messages to users in Seychelles.
Two-way SMS Support
Unfortunately, two-way SMS is not supported in Seychelles. This means that while you can send messages to users in this locale, they will not be able to respond via SMS. This limitation is important to consider if you are planning an interactive SMS campaign.
Number Portability
Number portability, which allows users to retain their mobile numbers when switching between service providers, is not available in Seychelles. This may limit the flexibility for users but simplifies the process for businesses sending SMS messages, as they can rely on static phone numbers.
Concatenated Message Support
Seychelles does not support concatenated messages. This means that if your message exceeds the standard character limit, it will not be automatically split and reassembled on the recipient's phone. To ensure your message is delivered in full, make sure it fits within the standard SMS character limit.
Message Length
There are no specific guidelines provided for message length in Seychelles. As a best practice, you should aim to keep your messages concise and within the standard 160-character limit for GSM-encoded SMS. This will help avoid message truncation or delivery issues.
MMS Support
Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) is not supported in Seychelles. If you attempt to send an MMS, it will be converted to an SMS with an embedded URL. This means that any images or videos will be accessible via a web link rather than directly in the message.
Sending SMS to Landline Numbers
Sending SMS to landline numbers in Seychelles is not supported. If you attempt to send an SMS to a landline, the Sent REST API will return a 400 response with error code 21614. The message will not appear in the logs, and your account will not be charged.
Compliance Considerations
Compliance is a critical aspect of any SMS campaign. Sent strongly encourages businesses to consult with legal counsel to ensure that their SMS campaigns comply with applicable laws. Below are some general best practices for SMS compliance in Seychelles:
- Obtain Opt-in Consent: Always get explicit consent from users before sending any messages, particularly for marketing purposes.
- Respect Daytime Hours: Only send messages during the recipient's daytime hours unless the message is urgent.
- Support HELP/STOP Messages: Your campaign should support standard HELP/STOP messages in the local language to allow users to manage their preferences.
- Avoid Do-Not-Call Registries: Make sure not to contact users who are on do-not-call or do-not-disturb lists.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your SMS campaigns in Seychelles are both effective and compliant.
FAQs
Is two-way SMS supported in Seychelles?
No, two-way SMS is not supported in Seychelles. This means users cannot reply to SMS messages sent from your campaign.
Can I send SMS to landline numbers in Seychelles?
No, SMS cannot be sent to landline numbers in Seychelles. If you try to do so, the Sent REST API will return a 400 response with error code 21614, and the message will not be logged or charged.
What are the compliance considerations for sending SMS in Seychelles?
To comply with local regulations, you must obtain opt-in consent from users, send messages during daytime hours unless urgent, and support HELP/STOP messages in the local language. Additionally, avoid contacting users listed on do-not-call or do-not-disturb registries.
By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure that your SMS campaigns in Seychelles are both compliant and effective.