South Sudan SMS Guidelines: Compliance, Message Length, and More

Discover essential SMS guidelines for South Sudan, focusing on compliance, message length, and the limitations of two-way SMS. This guide provides a detailed overview to help you navigate SMS messaging effectively in this region.

Locale Overview

South Sudan, situated in the Middle East & Africa, uses the ISO code "SS" and the mobile country code (MCC) 659. The international dialing code is +211, crucial for routing calls and SMS.

Two-Way SMS Support

Two-way SMS is not supported in South Sudan, meaning users cannot reply to messages, resulting in one-way communication.

Number Portability

Number portability is unavailable in South Sudan, affecting users' ability to switch carriers without changing numbers.

Concatenated Message Support

Concatenated messages are not supported. Messages exceeding the standard character limit won't be split and reassembled automatically.

Message Length

While specific message length limits are not detailed, exceeding standard limits may cause truncation or delivery failure.

MMS Support

Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) is not supported. MMS messages convert to SMS with an embedded URL for multimedia content access.

Sending SMS to Landlines

Sending SMS to landlines in South Sudan is not supported. Attempts will result in a 400 error code from the Sent REST API, with no charge to your account.

Compliance Considerations

Adhering to local regulations is crucial for SMS campaigns in South Sudan. Here are some best practices:

  • Obtain Opt-in Consent: Secure explicit consent before sending messages, especially for marketing.
  • Timing Matters: Send messages during daytime hours unless urgent.
  • Support HELP/STOP Messages: Ensure campaigns support these messages in local languages.
  • Respect Do-Not-Call Registries: Avoid contacting users on such lists.

For detailed legal advice, consult with qualified legal counsel to ensure compliance with local laws.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is two-way SMS supported in South Sudan?

No, two-way SMS is not supported, limiting communication to one-way.

Can I send SMS to landline numbers in South Sudan?

No, sending SMS to landlines is not supported and will result in an error.

What are the compliance considerations for SMS campaigns in South Sudan?

Ensure opt-in consent, appropriate timing, and support for HELP/STOP messages, while respecting do-not-call lists.


By following these guidelines, you can execute successful and compliant SMS campaigns in South Sudan. Always seek legal advice to align your practices with local regulations.

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