Is there support for HELP/STOP messages in Ireland?

Yes, SMS campaigns should support HELP/STOP messages in the recipient's local language to comply with regulations.

Can businesses send SMS messages to M2M numbers in Ireland?

Yes, but delivery to M2M numbers is on a best-effort basis only.

What is the role of the Irish Communications Regulatory Authority?

The Irish Communications Regulatory Authority oversees communications regulations, including SMS guidelines, to ensure compliance and fair practices.

What should businesses avoid when sending marketing SMS in Ireland?

Businesses should avoid sending messages without opt-in consent, contacting users on do-not-call registries, and sending prohibited content.

How can businesses maintain customer engagement through SMS in Ireland?

By adhering to compliance guidelines, obtaining opt-in consent, and using interactive features like two-way SMS, businesses can effectively engage customers.

Where can I find more information on SMS regulations in Ireland?

More detailed information can be found on the Irish Communications Regulatory Authority website at https://www.comreg.ie/.

Why is number portability important for businesses in Ireland?

Number portability allows businesses to maintain contact with customers even if they switch service providers, ensuring continuity in communication.

What response should businesses expect if they send prohibited content via SMS in Ireland?

Sending prohibited content will likely result in regulatory action and potential penalties, as well as a possible negative impact on business reputation.

Is two-way SMS supported in Ireland?

Yes, two-way SMS is supported in Ireland.

Can I send SMS to landline numbers in Ireland?

No, SMS cannot be sent to landline numbers in Ireland. The Sent REST API will return a 400 response with error code 21614.

Are there any compliance considerations for sending SMS in Ireland?

Yes, Sent strongly encourages reviewing use cases with legal counsel to ensure compliance with all applicable laws. Key best practices include obtaining opt-in consent and supporting HELP/STOP commands.

What is two-way SMS support in Ireland?

Two-way SMS support in Ireland allows businesses to interactively communicate with customers, which is essential for customer service, surveys, and interactive marketing campaigns.

What is message concatenation in SMS?

Message concatenation is a feature that splits long SMS messages exceeding the character limit and reassembles them on the recipient's device as a single message.

How are MMS messages handled in Ireland?

In Ireland, MMS messages are converted to SMS with an embedded URL, where a link to the content is included instead of sending images or videos directly.

Is it possible to send SMS to landline numbers in Ireland?

No, sending SMS to landline numbers is unsupported in Ireland and will result in an error without logging or charging the message.

What are some compliance considerations for sending SMS in Ireland?

Compliance considerations include obtaining opt-in consent, respecting do-not-call registries, supporting HELP/STOP messages, and avoiding prohibited content like cannabis-related messages.

Why is opt-in consent important for SMS marketing in Ireland?

Opt-in consent is crucial to ensure that users have agreed to receive communications, which is a legal requirement for marketing messages in Ireland.

What is the penalty for sending prohibited content via SMS in Ireland?

Sending prohibited content, such as cannabis-related messages, can lead to regulatory penalties and damage to business reputation.

Are there specific timing rules for sending SMS in Ireland?

Yes, businesses should send messages during the recipient's local daytime hours unless the message is urgent.

What should businesses do if they receive a STOP message from a recipient?

Businesses should immediately cease sending SMS messages to any recipient who sends a STOP message, as part of compliance with local regulations.

How can businesses ensure compliance with SMS regulations in Ireland?

Businesses should consult legal counsel, adhere to opt-in consent requirements, respect do-not-call registries, and follow best practices for timing and content of messages.

Ireland SMS Guidelines: Compliance, Two-way SMS, and Best Practices

Q: What happens if I attempt to send an SMS to a landline in Ireland?

The attempt will result in a 400 response with error code 21614, and the message will not be logged or charged.

Introduction

Engaging users through SMS in Ireland requires adherence to specific guidelines and best practices. This guide outlines essential SMS regulations in Ireland, focusing on two-way SMS support, number portability, message concatenation, and compliance considerations.

SMS Features in Ireland

Two-way SMS Support

In Ireland, two-way SMS enables businesses to interactively communicate with customers. This feature is crucial for customer service, surveys, and interactive marketing campaigns.

Number Portability

Ireland supports number portability, allowing users to keep their mobile numbers when switching service providers. This ensures businesses can maintain contact with customers across different networks.

Message Concatenation

For SMS messages exceeding the character limit, message concatenation is available. Long messages are split and reassembled on the recipient's device, appearing as a single message. Note that this may vary based on sender ID and message encoding.

MMS Support

In Ireland, Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) is converted to SMS with an embedded URL. Instead of sending images or videos directly, a link to the content is included in the SMS.

Sending SMS to Landline Numbers

Sending SMS to landline numbers is unsupported in Ireland. Attempting this will result in a 400 response with error code 21614, and the message will not be logged or charged.

Compliance Considerations

Compliance is crucial when sending SMS in Ireland. Businesses should consult legal counsel to ensure all communications adhere to local laws. Here are some best practices:

Message Delivery to M2M Numbers: Delivery is on a best-effort basis only.
Prohibited Content: Content related to cannabis is strictly prohibited.
Opt-in Consent: Obtain opt-in consent from users before sending communications, especially for marketing.
Timing of Messages: Send messages during the recipient's local daytime hours, unless urgent.
HELP/STOP Support: SMS campaigns should support HELP/STOP messages in the recipient's local language.
Do-Not-Call Registries: Avoid contacting users on do-not-call or do-not-disturb registries.

Conclusion

Ireland provides robust SMS communication support, but businesses must adhere to specific guidelines to ensure compliance and foster positive customer relationships. By following best practices such as obtaining opt-in consent and respecting local regulations, businesses can effectively engage with their audience in Ireland.

For more detailed information on SMS regulations, visit the Irish Communications Regulatory Authority website.