sent.dm
Sign In

SMS Guidelines in Iraq: Best Practices and Key Information

Sending SMS in Iraq requires adherence to specific guidelines and best practices to ensure compliance with local regulations. This guide provides an in-depth look at these guidelines, focusing on two-way SMS support, message concatenation, and compliance considerations.

Key Information for SMS in Iraq

Locale Information

  • Country: Iraq
  • ISO Code: IQ
  • Region: Middle East & Africa
  • Mobile Country Code: 418
  • Dialing Code: +964

Two-Way SMS Support

Two-way SMS is not supported in Iraq. You can send messages to recipients, but they cannot reply directly.

Number Portability

Number portability is not available in Iraq, meaning mobile numbers are tied to specific carriers without transfer options.

Concatenated Message Support

Iraq supports concatenated messages, allowing longer SMS to be split and reassembled. Note that support may vary based on sender ID types and encoding.

Message Length

SMS message length in Iraq depends on encoding. Standard GSM encoding allows up to 160 characters. Longer messages are split into multiple parts.

MMS Support

MMS is not supported. Instead, MMS messages convert to SMS with a URL link to access multimedia content.

Sending SMS to Landline Numbers

Sending SMS to landlines in Iraq is not supported. Attempts result in a 400 error code, and no charges apply.

Compliance Considerations

To ensure compliance with Iraqi regulations, follow these best practices:

  1. Obtain Opt-In Consent: Secure explicit consent from users before sending messages.
  2. Respect Local Time Zones: Send messages during daytime hours unless urgent.
  3. Support HELP/STOP Messages: Include options for users to manage preferences in the local language.
  4. Avoid Do-Not-Call Numbers: Ensure numbers are not on do-not-call registries.

Conclusion

Adhering to SMS guidelines in Iraq is crucial for successful campaigns. Despite limitations like the lack of two-way SMS and number portability, you can still send concatenated messages and comply with local laws. Always consult legal counsel to ensure full compliance with applicable regulations.

For more information on SMS regulations, visit the Iraqi Communications and Media Commission. By following these guidelines, you can effectively manage SMS campaigns in Iraq.