What are the character limits for SMS messages in Lesotho?

The standard character limit for a single SMS is 160 characters. Concatenated messages allow you to exceed this limit by splitting the message into multiple parts.

How are multimedia messages handled in Lesotho?

Multimedia messages are converted to SMS with an embedded URL, allowing recipients to view the content by clicking the link.

What happens if I try to send an SMS to a landline in Lesotho?

The message will not be delivered, and you will receive a 400 error response. No charges apply for undelivered messages.

Are there any charges for undelivered SMS messages in Lesotho?

No, there are no charges for SMS messages that are not delivered, such as those sent to landline numbers.

Can users in Lesotho reply to SMS messages they receive?

No, users cannot reply to SMS messages as two-way SMS is not supported in Lesotho.

Is it necessary to obtain user consent before sending SMS in Lesotho?

Yes, it is important to obtain opt-in consent from users before sending any SMS communications, particularly for marketing purposes.

Are there any time restrictions for sending SMS messages in Lesotho?

Yes, it is recommended to send messages during local daytime hours unless the message is urgent.

What should I do to comply with SMS regulations in Lesotho?

Ensure you obtain opt-in consent, respect local time zones, support HELP/STOP messages in the local language, and avoid contacting users on do-not-call registries.

Does Lesotho support concatenated SMS messages?

Yes, Lesotho supports concatenated messages, allowing longer messages to be split and reassembled on the recipient's device.

Are HELP/STOP messages required in Lesotho?

Yes, your campaigns should support HELP/STOP messages in the local language to comply with regulations.

Can users in Lesotho keep their numbers when changing mobile service providers?

No, number portability is not available, so users cannot retain their numbers when switching carriers.

What is number portability and is it available in Lesotho?

Number portability allows users to keep their phone numbers when switching carriers, but it is not available in Lesotho.

How should businesses handle multimedia content in SMS for Lesotho recipients?

Businesses should convert multimedia content into SMS with an embedded URL for recipients to view the content.

What error code is received when sending an SMS to a landline in Lesotho?

A 400 error code is returned when attempting to send an SMS to a landline in Lesotho.

Why might a business consider local time zones when sending SMS in Lesotho?

To ensure messages are received during appropriate hours and to comply with local regulations, businesses should consider local time zones.

Is there a specific language requirement for SMS messages in Lesotho?

While there is no specific language requirement, it is recommended to support HELP/STOP messages in the local language.

What are the technical limitations for SMS messaging in Lesotho?

Technical limitations include the lack of two-way SMS support, no MMS support, and no number portability.

How can businesses ensure SMS compliance in Lesotho?

By obtaining user consent, respecting time zones, supporting local language HELP/STOP messages, and avoiding restricted registries.

What is the impact of no number portability on SMS campaigns in Lesotho?

It can affect the continuity of SMS campaigns if users change providers and cannot retain their numbers.

Can businesses send marketing SMS messages at any time to Lesotho?

No, businesses should respect local time zones and send marketing messages during daytime hours unless urgent.

Lesotho SMS Guidelines: Key Considerations for Mobile Messaging

Q: Is two-way SMS supported in Lesotho?

No, two-way SMS is not supported in Lesotho.

Q: Does Lesotho support number portability?

No, number portability is not available in Lesotho.

Q: Can I send SMS to landlines in Lesotho?

No, SMS cannot be sent to landline numbers in Lesotho. Attempting to do so will result in an error response.

When sending SMS messages to Lesotho, understanding the local guidelines and technical requirements is crucial for effective communication. This guide provides essential details on SMS support, message limitations, and compliance best practices for businesses and developers targeting this region.

Two-Way SMS Support

Two-way SMS is not supported in Lesotho. While you can send messages to users, they cannot reply via the same channel. This limitation is important for campaigns that depend on customer feedback or interaction.

Number Portability

In Lesotho, number portability is unavailable. Users cannot retain their mobile numbers when switching carriers, which may affect the continuity of your SMS communications if your audience changes providers.

Message Concatenation

Lesotho supports concatenated messages, allowing messages exceeding the character limit to be split and reassembled on the recipient's device. Note that concatenation may not be supported for certain sender ID types, and the process can vary based on character encoding.

MMS Support

Direct MMS support is not available in Lesotho. Instead, multimedia content is converted to SMS with an embedded URL, enabling recipients to view the content by clicking the link.

Sending SMS to Landlines

SMS to landline numbers is not supported in Lesotho. Attempts to send such messages will result in a 400 error response, and the message will not be delivered or logged. No charges apply for undelivered messages.

Compliance Considerations

To ensure compliance with local regulations when sending SMS messages to Lesotho, consider the following best practices:

Obtain opt-in consent from users before sending any communications, especially for marketing purposes.
Respect local time zones by sending messages during daytime hours unless urgent.
Ensure your campaigns support HELP/STOP messages in the local language.
Avoid contacting users on do-not-call or do-not-disturb registries.

For more detailed legal guidance, consult with qualified legal professionals.

FAQs

Is two-way SMS supported in Lesotho?

No, two-way SMS is not supported. Users cannot respond to messages via SMS.

Does Lesotho support number portability?

No, users cannot retain their mobile numbers when switching carriers.

Can I send SMS to landlines in Lesotho?

No, SMS cannot be sent to landline numbers. Attempting this will result in an error response.

For more information on global SMS guidelines, consider visiting ITU's official resources.