Suriname SMS Guide - sms-compliance -

Frequently Asked Questions

Use the Twilio API with parameters like 'from' (sender ID), 'to' (recipient number in E.164 format), and 'body' (message content). An account SID and auth token are required.
Number portability is not available in Suriname. Users switching operators must get new numbers, affecting long-term SMS campaigns.
MMS messages are not directly supported. They're converted to SMS with a URL link where recipients can access the multimedia content.
Use a reputable SMS API provider like Twilio, Sinch, MessageBird, or Plivo. Ensure your recipient numbers are in E.164 format (+597XXXXXXX) and comply with local regulations, including obtaining opt-in consent.
Suriname has a growing mobile market with increasing SMS usage. While OTT apps are popular, SMS remains important for business communication and critical alerts. Telesur and Digicel are the primary mobile operators.
Suriname currently doesn't support two-way SMS, meaning businesses can't receive replies to their messages. Alternative channels are needed for interactive communication.
The best time to send SMS messages in Suriname is between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM SRT (UTC-3). Avoid sending messages on weekends and public holidays unless it's urgent or for critical notifications.
No, short codes are not currently supported in Suriname. Alphanumeric sender IDs and long codes are the available options for sending SMS.
Concatenated SMS is supported. Standard SMS length is 160 characters for GSM-7 encoding and 70 characters for UCS-2 encoding before splitting into segments occurs.
You must process opt-out requests (STOP, STOPPEN, CANCEL, etc.) within 24 hours. Maintain a database of unsubscribed numbers and confirm the opt-out with a message to the user. Support commands in both Dutch and English.
The character limit for SMS in Suriname depends on the encoding: 160 characters for GSM-7 and 70 characters for UCS-2. Messages exceeding this limit will be segmented into multiple SMS messages (concatenated SMS).
While specific regulations are evolving, businesses must obtain explicit opt-in consent before sending marketing messages and adhere to international best practices for messaging. Suriname's telecommunications sector is regulated by the Telecommunicatie Autoriteit Suriname (TAS).
Restricted content includes gambling, adult content, unauthorized financial services, and unregistered pharmaceutical products. Financial and healthcare industries face additional regulations.
Sending SMS to landlines in Suriname is not possible and results in a failed delivery. You will receive a 400 error response, code 21614, but will not be charged.
Several providers offer robust APIs for sending SMS in Suriname, including Twilio, Sinch, MessageBird, and Plivo. Each offers slightly different features and pricing.
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