SMS Guidelines for Norway - Compliance, Best Practices, and Message Length

SMS Guidelines for Norway: Compliance, Best Practices, and Message Length

When sending SMS messages to Norway, it's vital to adhere to specific guidelines to ensure compliance and successful delivery. This guide provides essential information on sending SMS in Norway, including two-way messaging, content restrictions, and best practices.

Key Information for Sending SMS in Norway

  • Locale Name: Norway
  • ISO Code: NO
  • Region: Europe
  • Mobile Country Code: 242
  • Dialing Code: +47

Two-Way SMS and Number Portability

  • Two-way SMS Supported: Yes, Norway supports two-way SMS, allowing recipients to reply to messages.
  • Number Portability: Available, enabling users to retain their mobile numbers when switching service providers.

Message Length and Concatenation

  • Concatenated Message Support: Norway supports concatenated SMS, allowing messages longer than the standard length to be split and reassembled on the recipient’s device.
  • Message Length: The maximum length of a message before it gets split into segments depends on the encoding used. Monitoring message length is crucial to avoid unnecessary segmentation.

MMS Support

  • MMS: Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) in Norway is converted to SMS with an embedded URL, allowing multimedia content to be shared in a more limited format.

SMS to Landline Numbers

  • Landline SMS: Sending SMS to landline numbers is not supported in Norway. Attempting to send an SMS to a landline will result in a 400 error with code 21614, and the message will not be logged or charged.

Compliance and Best Practices

To ensure compliance with Norwegian regulations, adhere to these guidelines:

  • Web URLs in SMS: Norway’s mobile operators block SMS content containing web URLs unless registered with Sent customer services. Use an International Long Code or Alphanumeric Sender ID for registered URLs. Messages sent using a Domestic Long Code with a URL may be filtered.

  • Prohibited Content: Gambling and lottery-related content is strictly prohibited by mobile operators in Norway. Ensure your SMS campaigns do not contain such content to avoid penalties.

  • Opt-In Consent: Always obtain opt-in consent from end-users before sending them any communication, especially for marketing or non-essential messages. This is crucial for compliance with local regulations.

  • Timing of Messages: Only send messages during the end-user’s daytime hours unless it is urgent. Avoid sending messages late at night or early in the morning.

  • Support for HELP/STOP Messages: SMS campaigns must support commands like HELP and STOP, and these should be available in the recipient's local language.

  • Do-Not-Disturb Registries: Ensure that you do not contact users on do-not-call or do-not-disturb registries. Violating these lists can result in legal consequences.

Conclusion

Sending SMS in Norway requires careful consideration of local regulations, especially regarding content, timing, and opt-in consent. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your messages are compliant and successfully delivered. Always consult with legal counsel to ensure your campaigns meet all applicable laws.

For more detailed information on Norwegian telecommunications regulations, visit the Norwegian Communications Authority website.