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Let's Begin: Sending Text Messages in Canada

We’ll guide you through everything you need to know to ensure your messages reach Canada successfully.

Evolution of SMS Messaging in Business: Navigating Regulations and Best Practices

We’ve been operating since 2010, and during this time, we’ve witnessed a significant transformation in the use of SMS messaging. It has evolved from primarily personal communication to a crucial tool for businesses. With this evolution, SMS has entered a realm of increased regulation and oversight. Various SMS regulatory bodies are diligently working to maintain SMS as a trusted channel for communication. Reputable brands now utilize SMS to transmit a wide range of messages, including promotional offers, order confirmations, and one-time PINs.

The adoption of SMS by businesses has surged, driven by the need to convey concise, important, and time-sensitive information to customers, clients, stakeholders, and employees.

While we understand that complying with the regulatory requirements and restrictions related to SMS messaging can be challenging and burdensome, we view it as a positive development. These regulations ensure that your messages maintain their credibility in the eyes of your recipients. Organizations such as the CTIA have developed Messaging Principles and Best Practices to safeguard consumers against unwanted messages.

So, what does this mean when you're sending messages to your Canadian contacts?

To ensure the successful delivery of your messages, it’s essential to have a dedicated phone number for your company. This number is often referred to as an “incoming number” and can either be a 10-digit long code or a toll-free number, depending on your specific messaging campaign requirements. Additionally, it’s crucial to provide an easy opt-out mechanism for recipients who no longer wish to receive SMS communications.

By using a dedicated number that has been officially assigned and verified by the networks for your SMS campaigns, you can rest assured that your messages will reach your Canadian contacts. This setup also allows recipients to respond to your messages, either through a double opt-in mechanism or by opting out of further SMS communications.

Applying for and sending messages from your designated incoming number incurs certain expenses:

Registration: $24.99
Use Case / Campaign: From US$1.50 per campaign per month
Optional Brand Vetting: US$45
Number Lease: US$45

Here's an explanation of the steps you should anticipate when registering with us:

Step 1 (Approximately 10 minutes):

Register and promptly apply for your incoming number. To complete this step, you will need to provide:

  • Company details, including your EIN/Tax ID where applicable.
  • Proof of consent.
  • Information about the SMS use case or SMS campaign.
DALL·E 2023-12-08 17.51.16 - A detailed illustration of a website registration page, displayed on a computer screen. The page includes various fields such as 'Username', 'Email Ad

Step 2 (Approximately 48 hours, plus/minus):

Once you have filled out the form, we will review it. If we have any questions or require further information, we will reach out to you. Afterward, we will send you a payment link for your incoming number. Please ensure timely payment as we can only submit your application to the relevant regulatory body once payment is received.

DALL·E 2023-12-08 17.52.38 - A conceptual illustration showcasing the process described in the text. The first section shows a person filling out a form on a computer. The second

Step 3 (Approximately 5 to 10 days):

Your application will undergo full verification, a process that typically takes between 5 to 10 days. The exact duration may vary depending on the volume of applications received by the networks. After successful verification, you can gradually start sending SMS messages and gradually increase your SMS traffic volumes. We understand that this waiting period may seem lengthy for running your SMS campaigns. However, these restrictions are in place as per regulations set by the CTIA (Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association). We believe that these regulations ultimately benefit reputable businesses sending their messages.

DALL·E 2023-12-08 17.54.45 - An illustration depicting the process described in the text. The first section shows a calendar with 5 to 10 days marked, symbolizing the verification

Rest assured, we will keep you informed at every step of the process. As soon as we have a response to your application or if any questions arise, we will promptly communicate with you.

If you require assistance with your incoming number for Canada or have any inquiries, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us via email at support info@smslocal.com .

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