SMS Guidelines for Iceland - Compliance, Number Portability, and Best Practices

SMS Guidelines for Iceland: Compliance, Number Portability, and Best Practices

When sending SMS messages to Iceland, understanding the specific guidelines is essential for effective communication. This guide provides a detailed overview of SMS regulations, best practices, and technical considerations for sending messages to Icelandic mobile numbers.

Key Technical Details for SMS in Iceland

  • Locale Information: Iceland, part of the European region, is identified by the ISO code "IS". The mobile country code is 274, and the international dialing code is +354.
  • Two-Way SMS: Two-way SMS is not supported in Iceland, meaning users cannot engage in ongoing conversations via SMS.
  • Number Portability: Iceland supports number portability, allowing users to switch networks while retaining their numbers.
  • Concatenated Messages: Message concatenation is supported, enabling longer messages to be split and reassembled on the recipient’s device. This may vary with different sender ID types and character encoding.
  • MMS Support: MMS is not directly supported; instead, MMS messages are converted to SMS with an embedded URL.

Sending SMS to Landline Numbers

Sending SMS messages to landline numbers in Iceland is not supported. Attempts will result in a 400 error with code 21614, and the message will not appear in logs or incur charges.

Ensuring compliance with local laws and regulations is crucial when sending SMS messages in Iceland. Consulting with legal counsel is recommended to avoid legal issues. Key compliance considerations include:

  • M2M Numbers: Message delivery to machine-to-machine (M2M) numbers is on a best-effort basis.
  • URL Filtering: Mobile operators actively block SMS content with URLs. Contact Sent customer services to add your content to an allow list. Messages must be sent with an International Long Code Sender ID or an Alphanumeric Sender ID. Using a Domestic Long Code Sender ID may lead to message filtering.
  • Prohibited Content: Content related to gambling or lotteries is strictly prohibited.

Best Practices for SMS Campaigns in Iceland

To ensure compliance and maximize the success of your SMS campaigns, follow these best practices:

  1. Opt-In Consent: Obtain explicit opt-in consent from users before sending any communication, especially for marketing messages.
  2. Respect Time Zones: Send messages during the recipient’s daytime hours, unless urgent.
  3. Support HELP/STOP Messages: Ensure your campaigns support HELP and STOP messages in the recipient’s local language.
  4. Avoid Prohibited Content: Refrain from sending content related to gambling, lotteries, or restricted activities.

Conclusion

Adhering to Iceland’s SMS guidelines is crucial for effective communication. By respecting local regulations and following best practices, you can enhance message deliverability and avoid potential pitfalls. For more information on regulations, visit the Icelandic Communications Office.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure smooth and compliant SMS communication with your Icelandic audience.