What is the character limit for SMS messages in Germany using GSM 3.38 encoding?

The character limit for SMS messages in Germany using GSM 3.38 encoding is 160 characters per message.

What is the character limit for SMS messages in Germany using Unicode encoding?

The character limit for SMS messages in Germany using Unicode encoding is 70 characters per message.

What happens if an SMS message exceeds the character limit in Germany?

If an SMS message exceeds the character limit in Germany, concatenation is used to split the message into segments that are reassembled on the recipient’s device. However, concatenation may not be supported for certain sender ID types.

What is required for SMS compliance in Germany regarding user consent?

For SMS compliance in Germany, businesses must obtain explicit opt-in consent from users before sending communications, especially for marketing purposes.

When is it appropriate to send SMS messages in Germany?

SMS messages should be sent during the recipient’s daytime hours unless the message is urgent.

What keywords should SMS campaigns in Germany support?

SMS campaigns in Germany should support keywords like HELP and STOP in the local language to allow users to manage their subscriptions.

Are there any restrictions on SMS content in Germany?

Yes, Germany prohibits certain SMS content, such as cannabis-related messages.

What is the best practice for sending SMS to users on do-not-call lists in Germany?

Businesses should avoid messaging users who are on do-not-call or do-not-disturb lists to remain compliant with German regulations.

How should businesses handle SMS messages to machine-to-machine (M2M) numbers in Germany?

Messages to machine-to-machine (M2M) numbers in Germany are delivered on a best-effort basis.

Where can businesses find more information on SMS regulations in Germany?

Businesses can refer to the German Federal Network Agency's website for more information on SMS regulations.

Why is it important to consult legal counsel for SMS campaigns in Germany?

Consulting legal counsel is important to ensure compliance with local regulations and to receive advice tailored to specific legal requirements.

What is the error code for attempting to send SMS to a landline in Germany?

The error code for attempting to send SMS to a landline in Germany is 21614.

How does number portability benefit businesses in Germany?

Number portability ensures consistent reach to customers even if they change their mobile service providers, thus maintaining business communication.

What should businesses do if they need to send multimedia content via SMS in Germany?

Businesses should include an embedded URL in the SMS message to allow recipients to access multimedia content via a web link.

What type of encoding allows for a 160-character limit in SMS messages?

GSM 3.38 encoding allows for a 160-character limit in SMS messages.

What should businesses consider about SMS timing for compliance in Germany?

Businesses should consider sending SMS messages during the recipient’s local daytime hours to comply with timing regulations.

Is two-way SMS supported in Germany?

Yes, two-way SMS is supported in Germany.

Can I send SMS to landline numbers in Germany?

No, SMS cannot be sent to landline numbers in Germany. The Sent REST API will return an error code 21614.

What are the compliance considerations for sending SMS in Germany?

It is important to get opt-in consent from the end-user, avoid sending messages during non-daytime hours unless urgent, and ensure campaigns support HELP/STOP messages in the local language.

What is two-way SMS support in Germany?

Two-way SMS support in Germany allows businesses to interact directly with customers, facilitating customer service, feedback, and interactive marketing.

Germany SMS Guidelines: Best Practices, Message Length, and Compliance

Q: Is MMS supported in Germany?

No, MMS is not supported in Germany. Instead, MMS messages are converted to SMS with an embedded URL for accessing multimedia content.

Q: Can SMS be sent to landline numbers in Germany?

No, sending SMS to landline numbers in Germany is not possible. Attempts will result in a 400 response with error code 21614.

Understanding the SMS guidelines in Germany is essential for businesses aiming to communicate effectively while adhering to local regulations. This guide covers key aspects such as message length, two-way SMS support, and compliance considerations to help you optimize your SMS campaigns.

Two-Way SMS Support in Germany

Germany enables two-way SMS, facilitating direct interaction between businesses and customers. This is crucial for customer service, feedback, and interactive marketing. Whether confirming appointments or gathering responses, two-way SMS enhances engagement.

Number Portability

Germany supports number portability, allowing users to retain their phone numbers when switching mobile operators. This ensures consistent reach to customers, even if they change service providers.

Message Length and Concatenation

SMS messages in Germany follow standard character limits:

GSM 3.38 encoding: 160 characters per message
Unicode encoding: 70 characters per message

For messages exceeding these limits, concatenation is available, splitting messages into segments that are reassembled on the recipient’s device. Note that concatenation may not be supported for certain sender ID types, affecting message delivery.

MMS Support

Germany does not support Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS). Instead, MMS messages are converted to SMS with an embedded URL, allowing recipients to access multimedia content via a web link.

Sending SMS to Landline Numbers

Sending SMS to landline numbers in Germany is not possible. Attempts will result in a 400 response with error code 21614, and such messages are not logged or charged.

Compliance Considerations

To comply with German regulations, businesses should adhere to these best practices:

Opt-in Consent: Obtain explicit user consent before sending communications, particularly for marketing.
Timing: Send SMS during the recipient’s daytime hours unless urgent.
HELP/STOP Support: Ensure SMS campaigns support keywords like HELP and STOP in the local language, allowing users to manage their subscriptions.
Do-Not-Call Registries: Avoid messaging users on do-not-call or do-not-disturb lists.

Germany strictly regulates SMS content. For instance, cannabis-related content is prohibited. Messages to machine-to-machine (M2M) numbers are delivered on a best-effort basis.

Conclusion

By following these guidelines, businesses can effectively communicate with customers in Germany while remaining compliant with local laws. Whether for transactional messages or marketing campaigns, understanding the technical and legal landscape is crucial.

For legal advice on SMS campaigns, consult with qualified legal counsel to ensure compliance with local regulations. For more information, refer to the German Federal Network Agency's website.