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Sierra Leone SMS Guidelines: Compliance, Message Length, and Best Practices

When sending SMS messages to users in Sierra Leone, it's crucial to understand the specific guidelines and regulations governing mobile communications in this region. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the key aspects you need to consider, from technical specifications like message length to compliance with local laws.

Key Technical Details

Sierra Leone, identified by the ISO code "SL" and located in the Middle East & Africa region, has a mobile country code of 619. The dialing code for sending SMS or making calls to this locale is +232.

Two-Way SMS and Number Portability

Unfortunately, two-way SMS is not supported in Sierra Leone. This means that users in this locale cannot reply to messages directly. Additionally, number portability is not available, so users cannot retain their mobile numbers if they switch service providers.

Concatenated Message Support

Sierra Leone supports concatenated messaging, allowing you to send longer messages that are split into multiple segments and reassembled upon receipt. However, this feature may not be available for certain types of sender IDs, and how the message is split and rejoined may vary depending on the character encoding used.

MMS Support

Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) is not directly supported in Sierra Leone. If you attempt to send an MMS, it will be converted to an SMS with an embedded URL.

Sending SMS to Landlines

It is not possible to send SMS messages to landline numbers in Sierra Leone. If you attempt this, the Sent REST API will return a 400 error with code 21614, and the message will not be delivered or logged. Additionally, your account will not be charged for these failed attempts.

Compliance Considerations

When sending SMS messages to users in Sierra Leone, compliance with local regulations is crucial. It is strongly recommended to consult with qualified legal counsel to ensure that your messaging campaigns adhere to all applicable laws. Below are some general best practices for compliance:

  • Opt-In Consent: Always obtain explicit consent from end-users before sending any communications, particularly for marketing or non-essential messages.
  • Daytime Communication: Only send messages during the recipient's local daytime hours unless the message is urgent.
  • Support for HELP/STOP Commands: Ensure that your SMS campaigns support commands like HELP or STOP, and that these commands are available in the local language.
  • Respect Do-Not-Call Registries: Avoid contacting users who are listed on do-not-call or do-not-disturb registries.

Conclusion

Understanding the specific SMS guidelines for Sierra Leone is critical for running successful and compliant messaging campaigns. While two-way SMS and MMS are not supported, you can still send concatenated messages and reach mobile users effectively. Always ensure compliance with local laws by obtaining opt-in consent and respecting do-not-call lists.

By following these guidelines, you can enhance your SMS strategy in Sierra Leone while maintaining legal compliance and ensuring a positive user experience.

For more information on international SMS guidelines, visit the International Telecommunication Union.