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SMS Guidelines for Azerbaijan: Compliance, Features, and Best Practices

Azerbaijan, situated in Asia, has specific SMS guidelines that businesses must follow. These include compliance requirements and technical limitations. This article provides a comprehensive overview of SMS features and best practices for sending messages in Azerbaijan.

Key Features for SMS in Azerbaijan

Two-Way SMS Support

Two-way SMS is not supported in Azerbaijan. While businesses can send messages to users, recipients cannot reply via SMS.

Number Portability

Azerbaijan allows number portability, enabling users to retain their mobile numbers when switching service providers. This is beneficial for businesses aiming to maintain consistent communication with customers.

Concatenated Message Support

Azerbaijan supports concatenated messages, ensuring long SMS messages are split and reassembled correctly. Note that some sender ID types may not support this, and the message length before concatenation depends on the character encoding.

MMS Support

Direct MMS support is unavailable in Azerbaijan. Instead, MMS messages are converted to SMS with an embedded URL for multimedia content access.

SMS to Landline Numbers

SMS cannot be sent to landline numbers in Azerbaijan. Attempts will result in a 400 response code from the Sent REST API, with error code 21614, and no charges will apply.

Compliance Considerations

When sending SMS in Azerbaijan, compliance with local regulations is crucial. Businesses should consult legal counsel to ensure adherence to all applicable laws. Here are some general best practices:

  • Opt-in Consent: Secure explicit opt-in consent from users before sending communications, especially marketing messages.
  • Respect Time Zones: Send messages during the recipient's daytime hours unless urgent.
  • Support HELP/STOP Messages: Campaigns should allow users to send HELP or STOP messages, supported in the local language.
  • Avoid Do-Not-Call Registries: Do not contact users on do-not-call or do-not-disturb registries to ensure compliance.

By following these guidelines, businesses can ensure smooth and compliant SMS operations in Azerbaijan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is two-way SMS supported in Azerbaijan?

No, two-way SMS is not supported. While messages can be sent to users, replies via SMS are not possible.

Does Azerbaijan support number portability?

Yes, Azerbaijan supports number portability, allowing users to switch service providers while retaining their mobile numbers, aiding consistent business communication.

Can SMS be sent to landline numbers in Azerbaijan?

No, SMS cannot be sent to landline numbers. Attempts will return a 400 response code with error code 21614.

By adhering to these guidelines and best practices, businesses can effectively manage their SMS campaigns in Azerbaijan while ensuring compliance with local regulations.

For more information on regulations, visit the Azerbaijan Communications Ministry.