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Mozambique SMS Guidelines: Best Practices and Compliance

Mozambique offers a growing market for SMS communications. However, businesses must adhere to specific guidelines to ensure compliance and effective message delivery. This article outlines key aspects of SMS messaging in Mozambique, including technical limitations, compliance considerations, and best practices.

Key Technical Information

  • Two-way SMS Support: Not available. Businesses should explore alternative methods for customer engagement.
  • Number Portability: Not supported. Users cannot retain their mobile numbers when switching providers, so businesses should manage contact lists carefully.
  • Concatenated Messages: Supported, but with limitations. Long messages are split into multiple segments and rejoined at the recipient's end, varying by encoding format and sender ID.
  • MMS Support: Not supported. Multimedia content is converted to a standard SMS with an embedded URL for access.
  • SMS to Landline Numbers: Not allowed. Sending an SMS to a landline will result in a 400 error, and the message will not be logged or charged. Verify recipient numbers to avoid this.

Compliance Considerations

To maintain compliance and customer trust, businesses must adhere to local laws and regulations when sending SMS messages in Mozambique. Here are some best practices:

  1. Obtain Opt-in Consent: Secure user permission before sending any communication, especially marketing messages.
  2. Respect Local Time Zones: Send SMS messages during daytime hours unless urgent, to maintain a positive user experience.
  3. Support STOP/HELP Messages: Allow users to easily opt-out or seek help by sending STOP or HELP messages, supported in the local language.
  4. Avoid Contacting Users on Do-Not-Call Registries: Respect users on do-not-call or do-not-disturb lists to avoid legal penalties and reputation damage.

Network Stability in Mozambique

As of March 2020, the MCEL Network in Mozambique is undergoing infrastructure upgrades, leading to potential service instability. Sent is collaborating with suppliers to minimize disruptions and will provide updates on its Status Page. Businesses should prepare for potential delays or delivery failures during this period.

Conclusion

Understanding SMS guidelines and compliance requirements in Mozambique is crucial for businesses engaging with customers via mobile messaging. By following these best practices and staying informed about technical limitations, companies can ensure smooth and compliant SMS communications in this region.

For more detailed guidance on SMS messaging in Mozambique, consult with official legal resources to ensure all communications comply with local regulations.