Is two-way SMS supported in the Philippines?

Yes, two-way SMS is supported in the Philippines.

Can I send SMS to landline numbers in the Philippines?

No, SMS cannot be sent to landline numbers in the Philippines. The Sent API will throw a 400 error if attempted.

Are there any restrictions on sender IDs in the Philippines?

Yes, sender IDs containing words like @apos;TEST@apos;, @apos;MESSAGE@apos;, @apos;SMS@apos;, and network names such as @apos;SMART@apos; or @apos;SUN@apos; are not allowed.

What is the maximum SMS message length in the Philippines?

In the Philippines, SMS messages are limited to 160 characters.

Can I send multimedia content via SMS in the Philippines?

While MMS is not directly supported, multimedia content can be shared via SMS by embedding them in a URL.

Are international long codes allowed when sending SMS in the Philippines?

No, international long codes are prohibited and are replaced with a generic Alphanumeric Sender ID.

What happens if I send an SMS to a landline number in the Philippines?

Sending SMS to landline numbers is unsupported and will result in a 400 error response from the Sent API.

Is it necessary to obtain opt-in consent before sending promotional SMS in the Philippines?

Yes, it is required to obtain opt-in consent before sending commercial or promotional messages.

Are there any restrictions on sender IDs for SMS in the Philippines?

Yes, sender IDs containing terms like 'TEST,' 'MESSAGE,' 'SMS,' and network names are banned.

What content is prohibited in SMS messages in the Philippines?

Prohibited content includes spam, financial loans, real estate, political content, firearms, gambling, adult content, and controlled substances.

Can I use shortened URLs in SMS messages in the Philippines?

No, shortened URLs are not allowed in SMS messages.

How often should opt-out instructions be provided for SMS subscriptions?

Opt-out instructions should be provided weekly for daily subscriptions and monthly for weekly subscriptions.

Are HELP/STOP messages required in SMS campaigns in the Philippines?

Yes, SMS campaigns should support HELP/STOP messages in the local language.

Is it allowed to send SMS during non-daytime hours in the Philippines?

It is recommended to avoid contacting users during non-daytime hours unless the message is urgent.

What are the benefits of two-way SMS support in the Philippines?

Two-way SMS allows users to both send and receive messages, facilitating customer support and interactive campaigns.

What should be done to ensure SMS compliance in the Philippines?

Ensure you use appropriate sender IDs, obtain opt-in consent, respect content restrictions, and provide opt-out instructions.

Can URLs in banking-related SMS messages be used freely in the Philippines?

No, URLs in banking-related messages must be pre-approved.

What is the error response code for sending SMS to unsupported numbers in the Philippines?

The error response code is 400.

What is the impact of using an unregistered Alphanumeric Sender ID for SMS in the Philippines?

Using an unregistered Alphanumeric Sender ID may affect message deliverability.

Are there specific regulations for sending SMS in the Philippines?

Yes, there are regulations, including sender ID restrictions, opt-in and opt-out requirements, and content prohibitions.

Can political content be sent via SMS in the Philippines?

No, political content is prohibited in SMS messages.

What should businesses do to ensure effective SMS campaigns in the Philippines?

Businesses should follow best practices such as using registered sender IDs, obtaining opt-in consent, and adhering to content guidelines.

Is consulting legal counsel recommended for SMS compliance in the Philippines?

Yes, consulting legal counsel is recommended to ensure all SMS use cases comply with applicable laws in the Philippines.

Philippines SMS Guidelines: Best Practices, Message Length, and Compliance

Ensuring compliance and successful delivery of SMS messages in the Philippines involves adhering to specific guidelines. This article outlines the essential SMS guidelines for the Philippines, focusing on message length, supported features, and compliance considerations.

Key Features of SMS in the Philippines

Two-Way SMS Support

The Philippines offers two-way SMS functionality, enabling users to both send and receive messages. This is particularly beneficial for customer support and interactive campaigns, allowing users to respond to received messages.

Message Length and Concatenation

SMS messages in the Philippines are limited to 160 characters. Messages exceeding this limit are split into multiple segments and reassembled by the recipient. Be aware that certain sender ID types may not support concatenation, and message splitting can vary based on character encoding.

MMS Support

Although MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) is not directly supported, multimedia content like images and videos can be shared via SMS by embedding them in a URL. This method allows recipients to access multimedia content through a link in the SMS.

Sending SMS to Landline Numbers

Sending SMS to landline numbers is unsupported in the Philippines. Attempting this will result in a 400 error response from the Sent API, and the message will neither be logged nor charged.

Compliance Considerations

Adhering to local laws and regulations is crucial when sending SMS messages in the Philippines. Key compliance guidelines include:

Sender ID Restrictions:
- International long codes are prohibited and replaced with a generic Alphanumeric Sender ID. Using a registered Alphanumeric Sender ID is recommended for better deliverability.
- Sender IDs containing "TEST," "MESSAGE," "SMS," and network names like "SMART" and "SUN" are banned.
Opt-In and Opt-Out Requirements:
- Commercial and promotional messages can only be sent to subscribers who have explicitly opted in.
- Provide regular opt-out instructions — weekly for daily subscriptions and monthly for weekly subscriptions.
Prohibited Content:
- Spam messages, including those promoting financial loans, real estate, and political content, are banned.
- Content related to firearms, gambling (except for registered Philippine Inland Gaming Operators), adult content, and controlled substances is strictly forbidden.
- Shortened URLs are not allowed, and URLs in banking-related messages must be pre-approved.
Best Practices:
- Obtain opt-in consent before sending any communication, especially for marketing purposes.
- Avoid contacting users during non-daytime hours unless urgent.
- Ensure SMS campaigns support HELP/STOP messages in the local language.

Conclusion

Adhering to SMS guidelines in the Philippines is essential for ensuring successful message delivery and avoiding penalties. By following these best practices, such as using appropriate sender IDs, obtaining opt-in consent, and respecting content restrictions, you can create effective and compliant SMS campaigns.

For more detailed guidance, consult with legal counsel to ensure your SMS use cases comply with all applicable laws in the Philippines.