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SMS Guidelines for Switzerland: Best Practices and Compliance

Switzerland stands as a pivotal hub for SMS communication in Europe. Adhering to specific guidelines is essential for ensuring compliance and optimizing message delivery. This guide delves into key aspects of SMS guidelines in Switzerland, including two-way SMS support, number portability, and compliance considerations.

Two-Way SMS Support

In Switzerland, two-way SMS is fully supported, enabling seamless communication between businesses and customers. This feature is particularly advantageous for customer support, surveys, and interactive marketing campaigns.

Number Portability

Number portability in Switzerland allows users to keep their mobile numbers when switching service providers. This ensures businesses maintain communication with customers, even if they change networks.

Concatenated Messages

Switzerland supports concatenated messages, allowing longer messages to be split and rejoined at the receiver's end. Note that this may not be supported for all sender ID types, and the process can vary based on character encoding.

Message Length

While there's no specific message length limit, the standard SMS character limit applies. Messages exceeding this limit will be split into concatenated segments.

MMS Support

MMS is not directly supported in Switzerland. Instead, MMS messages are converted to SMS with an embedded URL, enabling users to view multimedia content via a web link.

Sending SMS to Landline Numbers

Sending SMS to landline numbers in Switzerland is unsupported. Attempting this will result in a 400 response with error code 21614 from the Sent REST API. The message won't appear in logs, and your account won't be charged.

Compliance Considerations

Compliance is crucial for SMS campaigns in Switzerland. Consult legal counsel to ensure adherence to all applicable laws. Follow these best practices:

  • Prohibited Content: Avoid sending cannabis-related content.
  • M2M Numbers: Delivery to Machine-to-Machine (M2M) numbers is on a best-effort basis.
  • Opt-In Consent: Secure opt-in consent before sending marketing or non-essential messages.
  • HELP/STOP Support: Support HELP and STOP messages in the local language.
  • Daytime Communication: Send messages during daytime hours unless urgent.
  • Do-Not-Call Registries: Avoid contacting users on do-not-call or do-not-disturb lists.

By following these guidelines, businesses can ensure their SMS campaigns in Switzerland are effective and compliant.

FAQs

Is two-way SMS supported in Switzerland?

Yes, two-way SMS is supported, allowing interactive communication between businesses and customers.

Can I send SMS to landline numbers in Switzerland?

No, sending SMS to landline numbers is unsupported. Attempting this will result in a 400 error.

Are there compliance considerations for sending SMS in Switzerland?

Yes, consult legal counsel to ensure compliance. Sending cannabis-related content is prohibited, and opt-in consent is required for communications.

For more detailed information, visit the Swiss Federal Office of Communications.