SMS Guidelines for Georgia: Compliance, Message Length, and Support
Understanding the SMS guidelines in Georgia is crucial for businesses aiming to communicate effectively and legally with their audience. This guide provides insights into compliance requirements, message length restrictions, and the availability of two-way SMS support.
Key Information About SMS in Georgia
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Locale Name | Georgia |
| ISO Code | GE |
| Region | Asia |
| Mobile Country Code | 282 |
| Dialing Code | +995 |
Two-Way SMS Support in Georgia
Two-way SMS is not supported in Georgia. Businesses can send SMS messages but cannot receive replies directly. To engage in interactive communication, consider using web-based chat or other messaging platforms.
Number Portability
Georgia supports number portability, allowing users to keep their mobile numbers when switching providers. This ensures businesses maintain consistent communication with customers, even if they change networks.
Message Length and Concatenation
Messages exceeding the standard SMS character limit can be split and reassembled using message concatenation. Note that behavior may vary based on the sender ID type and character encoding.
MMS Support
MMS is not directly supported in Georgia. Instead, MMS messages are converted to SMS with an embedded URL, enabling recipients to access multimedia content via a clickable link.
Sending SMS to Landline Numbers
SMS cannot be sent to landline numbers in Georgia. Attempting to do so will result in a 400 response with error code 21614 from the Sent API. No charges will apply for failed attempts.
Compliance Considerations
Adhering to compliance regulations is essential for legal and effective SMS campaigns in Georgia. Consider the following best practices:
- Opt-in Consent: Secure explicit consent before sending SMS, especially for marketing.
- Respect Time Zones: Send messages during local daytime hours unless urgent.
- Support HELP/STOP Messages: Ensure these commands are available in the local language.
- Respect Do-Not-Call Registries: Avoid messaging users on do-not-call lists.
For detailed legal guidance, consult with legal counsel to ensure compliance with all applicable laws.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is two-way SMS supported in Georgia?
No, two-way SMS is not supported. Consider alternative methods for receiving customer replies.
Can I send SMS to landline numbers in Georgia?
No, sending SMS to landline numbers is not possible. The Sent REST API will return a 400 error with code 21614.
What should I consider for SMS compliance in Georgia?
Ensure opt-in consent, respect time zones, support HELP/STOP messages, and avoid messaging users on do-not-call registries.
By following these guidelines, businesses can effectively and legally communicate with their customers in Georgia. For further details, refer to Georgia's Telecommunications Regulatory Authority for official compliance information.