sent.dm
Sign In

Puerto Rico SMS Guidelines: Compliance, Features, and Best Practices

When sending SMS messages to Puerto Rico, understanding the guidelines and compliance requirements is essential to maintain seamless communication and avoid penalties. This article outlines the key SMS features, compliance considerations, and potential non-compliance fees for SMS campaigns targeting Puerto Rico.

Key Features of SMS in Puerto Rico

Two-way SMS Support

Puerto Rico supports two-way SMS messaging, allowing users to receive and respond to SMS messages. This feature is crucial for businesses relying on interactive communication with their customers, such as appointment confirmations, customer service, or surveys.

Number Portability

Number portability is not available in Puerto Rico. Users cannot retain their mobile number when switching between mobile service providers. This limitation is important when managing customer databases or handling long-term communication strategies.

Concatenated Message Support

Concatenated messaging is not supported in Puerto Rico. If a message exceeds the standard SMS character limit, it will not be split into smaller segments and reassembled on the recipient’s device. Businesses should carefully monitor message length to avoid truncation.

MMS Support

Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) is not directly supported in Puerto Rico. MMS messages are converted into SMS with an embedded URL, allowing recipients to access media content via a link rather than receiving the media directly in the message.

SMS to Landline Numbers

Sending SMS to landline numbers in Puerto Rico is not supported. If an attempt is made to send an SMS to a landline, the Sent REST API will return a 400 error with code 21614. The message will not be logged, and no charges will be applied.

Compliance Considerations for SMS Campaigns in Puerto Rico

Compliance is a critical aspect of SMS communication. Sent strongly encourages businesses to review their use cases with qualified legal counsel to ensure adherence to all applicable laws. Below are some general best practices for SMS campaigns in Puerto Rico:

  • Obtain Opt-In Consent: Always obtain explicit opt-in consent from users before sending any communication, especially for marketing or non-essential messages.
  • Respect Time Zones: Only send messages during the recipient’s daytime hours unless the message is urgent.
  • Support HELP/STOP Messages: Ensure that your campaigns recognize and respond to HELP/STOP commands in the user’s local language.
  • Avoid Contacting Do-Not-Call Registries: Do not send messages to users who are on do-not-call or do-not-disturb lists.
  • Comply with Sent’s Policies: Adhere to Sent’s Acceptable Use Policy and Messaging Policy, as well as the guidelines set by telecommunications providers.

Non-Compliance Fees for SMS Campaigns

U.S. telecommunications providers may impose fees for non-compliant A2P (application-to-person) traffic, and Sent will pass these fees onto the customer. T-Mobile has announced specific fees for violations of its Code of Conduct:

  • 10DLC Long Code Messaging Program Evasion: A $1,000 fee will be applied if a program or campaign is found to be evading the 10DLC long code messaging program by using techniques such as snowshoeing or unauthorized number replacement/recycling.
  • Content Violation: After receiving a prior warning, a $10,000 fee may be imposed for each instance of content that violates T-Mobile’s Code of Conduct. This includes SHAFT (Sex, Hate, Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco) violations, spam, phishing, or any messaging that meets the Severity 0 violation as defined in the CTIA Short Code Monitoring Handbook.

These fees underscore the importance of adhering to carrier regulations and maintaining compliance with SMS messaging standards.

Conclusion

When sending SMS messages to Puerto Rico, it’s essential to understand the supported features, such as two-way SMS, and the limitations, such as the lack of number portability and concatenated message support. Compliance with local laws, Sent’s policies, and carrier guidelines is crucial to avoid costly non-compliance fees. By following these guidelines, businesses can ensure smooth and effective communication with their Puerto Rican audience.