Frequently Asked Questions
Use a reputable SMS API provider like Twilio, Sinch, MessageBird, or Plivo. Ensure your Alphanumeric Sender ID is pre-registered with Telkomcel, the primary operator, and format recipient numbers with the +670 country code. Due to two-way SMS limitations, receiving replies through the same channel is not possible. Remember to comply with local regulations and best practices.
Alphanumeric Sender ID registration is mandatory in Timor-Leste for sending SMS messages through Telkomcel. Pre-registration is required and typically takes approximately two weeks. Registered IDs are preserved as-is, ensuring consistent brand recognition.
Timor-Leste does not currently support two-way SMS, meaning businesses can only send messages, not receive replies via SMS. Concatenated (long) messages and short codes are also not supported. Sending to landline numbers will result in failure with error code 21614 and not be charged.
MMS messages are automatically converted to SMS with an embedded URL. This conversion ensures deliverability across the network while still allowing multimedia content sharing via the linked resource.
Comply with Autoridade Nacional de Comunica????es (ANC) regulations. Obtain explicit opt-in consent for marketing messages, maintain records, and respect user opt-out requests. While not legally mandated, following HELP/STOP command best practices is highly recommended.
Send messages between 9:00 AM and 8:00 PM TLT (UTC+9). Avoid sending during national holidays and religious observances. Urgent messages like authentication codes can be sent outside these hours.
No, sending SMS to landlines in Timor-Leste is not supported. Attempts to send will not be delivered or charged. The recipient will receive a 400 response with error code 21614.
International long codes are supported and provisioned immediately, while domestic long codes are not available. The original sender ID is preserved for international long codes. They are well-suited for transactional messages and two-factor authentication.
Use professional language, avoid spam trigger words and excessive capitalization, and include your company name in messages. Ensure URLs are from reputable domains and keep them short and recognizable.
Limit messages to 2-3 per week per recipient. Respect local holidays and cultural sensitivities, and schedule campaigns during business hours (9 AM to 8 PM TLT). Space out bulk sends to prevent network congestion.
Process opt-out requests (STOP, CANCEL, UNSUBSCRIBE) within 24 hours. Maintain a centralized opt-out database, include clear opt-out instructions in كل message, and conduct regular compliance audits. Even though Timor-Leste doesn't have an official Do Not Call registry, best practice is to maintain your own suppression lists and honour opt-out requests immediately.
Primary languages are Tetum and Portuguese. Consider English for business communication. Use proper character encoding (UCS-2 is supported) for local language support. Be mindful of cultural sensitivities in message content.
The default rate limit is 100 messages per second. For volumes exceeding 1000 messages per hour, use batch processing. Implement exponential backoff for retry logic in case of rate limit errors. Consider throughput management strategies such as queuing and batch sending.
Log error details including timestamp, error type, message, and specifics. Implement retry logic, especially for rate limit errors, by adding failed messages to a retry queue. Categorize common error types like invalid numbers, blocked numbers, carrier errors, and rate limits.
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Timor-Leste SMS Best Practices, Compliance, and Features
Timor-Leste SMS Market Overview
Market Conditions: Timor-Leste's mobile market is dominated by Telkomcel, the primary mobile operator. SMS remains a critical communication channel due to its reliability and widespread accessibility. While OTT messaging apps are gaining popularity in urban areas, SMS continues to be the most dependable method for reaching users across both rural and urban regions, particularly for business communications and authentication services.
Key SMS Features and Capabilities in Timor-Leste
Timor-Leste offers basic SMS functionality with some limitations, notably requiring Alphanumeric Sender ID registration for all customers sending SMS messages through Telkomcel Timor-Leste.
Two-way SMS Support
Two-way SMS is not supported in Timor-Leste according to current provider specifications. This means businesses can only send outbound messages without the ability to receive replies through the same channel.
Concatenated Messages (Segmented SMS)
Support: Concatenated messaging is not supported in Timor-Leste.
Message length rules: Standard SMS character limits apply without concatenation support.
Encoding considerations: UCS-2 encoding is supported for messages containing non-Latin characters.
MMS Support
MMS messages are automatically converted to SMS with an embedded URL link. This conversion ensures message delivery while providing a way to share multimedia content through linked resources.
Recipient Phone Number Compatibility
Number Portability
Number portability is not available in Timor-Leste. This means mobile numbers remain tied to their original carrier, simplifying message routing but limiting consumer flexibility.
Sending SMS to Landlines
Sending SMS to landline numbers is not supported in Timor-Leste. Attempts to send messages to landline numbers will result in a 400 response with error code 21614, and the message will not be delivered or charged to the account.
Compliance and Regulatory Guidelines for SMS in Timor-Leste
SMS communications in Timor-Leste are regulated by the Autoridade Nacional de Comunica????es (ANC) under Decree-Law No. 15/2012. All telecommunications service providers must register with the ANC and comply with their guidelines for message delivery and consumer protection.
Consent and Opt-In
Explicit Consent Requirements:
HELP/STOP and Other Commands
While Timor-Leste doesn't have specific HELP/STOP requirements codified in law, implementing these features is considered best practice:
Do Not Call / Do Not Disturb Registries
Timor-Leste does not currently maintain an official Do Not Call registry. However, businesses should:
Time Zone Sensitivity
Timor-Leste observes TLT (UTC+9). Best practices for message timing include:
Phone Numbers Options and SMS Sender Types for in Timor-Leste
Alphanumeric Sender ID
Operator network capability: Supported by Telkomcel Timor Leste
Registration requirements: Pre-registration required; takes approximately 2 weeks
Sender ID preservation: Yes, registered IDs are preserved as-is
Long Codes
Domestic vs. International: International long codes supported; domestic not available
Sender ID preservation: Yes, original sender ID is preserved
Provisioning time: Immediate for international long codes
Use cases: Suitable for transactional messages and two-factor authentication
Short Codes
Support: Not currently available in Timor-Leste
Provisioning time: N/A
Use cases: N/A
Restricted SMS Content, Industries, and Use Cases
Restricted Industries and Content:
Content Filtering
Known Carrier Rules:
Best Practices to Avoid Filtering:
Best Practices for Sending SMS in Timor-Leste
Messaging Strategy
Sending Frequency and Timing
Localization
Opt-Out Management
Testing and Monitoring
SMS API integrations for Timor-Leste
Twilio
Twilio provides a robust SMS API for sending messages to Timor-Leste. Authentication requires your Account SID and Auth Token.
Sinch
Sinch requires API Token authentication and supports both REST and SDK approaches.
MessageBird
MessageBird offers a straightforward API for SMS delivery to Timor-Leste.
Plivo
Plivo provides a reliable API with good coverage in Timor-Leste.
API Rate Limits and Throughput
Throughput Management Strategies:
Error Handling and Reporting
Recap and Additional Resources
Key Takeaways
Compliance Requirements:
Technical Considerations:
Best Practices:
Next Steps
Additional Resources
Official Resources:
Industry Guidelines: