Bulk SMS provider
Bulk SMS provider is a business entity that offers end-to-end solutions for users
in bulk SMS messaging. Usually they have connectivity with more than one SMS Center
of mobile network operators worldwide to ensure seamless message delivery. This way
most of the bulk SMS providers can provide stable bulk SMS messaging services both
in national and even international level.
Bulk SMS providers provide various interfaces for users for sending bulk SMSs.
The most common interfaces are Bulk SMS Web interface, WAP Interface, Email-to-SMS Interface,
Desktop SMS Messenger, etc.
Protocols
Bulk SMS providers usually support the following protocols and interfaces for bulk SMS messaging:
- SMPP
SMPP has been designated for SMS messaging that is why it is the most commonly
used protocol for SMS messaging. SMPP is a binary protocol that is for communicating
with SMSCs and SMS gateways. SMPP is suitable for both sending and receiving bulk
SMS messages.
- HTTP
HTTP is also commonly used for sending and receiving SMS messages. It is very
simple to use. However, HTTP supports lesser SMS features than SMPP protocol
because HTTP is not dedicated for SMS messaging originally.
- HTTPS (HTTP + SSL encryption)
With HTTPS you can make your data secure. It means that data will not be seen
by others on the Internet. When HTTPS is used, data are encrypted before
transmitting over the Internet, this way data are protected from eavesdropping.
- XML over HTTP/HTTPS
XML over HTTP refers to that one or more SMS texts are put in XML file then it
is uploaded to the SMS gateway. XML over HTTP/HTTPS can be a better way for
bulk SMS messaging since it enables the submission of a large amount of SMS
messages in a single HTTP request.
- SMTP
SMTP is mainly used to send and receive Email-to-SMS and SMS-to-Email messages.
SMS service providers usually support only a subset of the above protocols. Most
commonly, SMPP and HTTP connectivity is ensured by almost all bulk SMS providers.
Bulk SMS provider acts as a mediator between the end users and the mobile network
operators. As it was mentioned, bulk SMS providers connect more than one
mobile network operator to ensure higher network coverage. Those bulk SMS providers
who has only 1-2 SMSC connections cannot provide reliable SMS delivery, and it is possible
that most of SMSs will not be delivered or only with a long delay. So network
coverage is important deciding factor in selecting a provider.
Some of the bulk SMS providers offer cheap services however their network coverage can
be low while others have better coverage but higher prices. Usually, these providers
offer some free SMSs that makes it possible to test their services. It is recommended
to take a test before signing a contract.
Payment methods
Bulk SMS providers can be grouped into 2 categories in respect of the offered payment
methods:
- Credit-based
You buy a number of credits from your SMS service provider. Then, you can use those credits
for sending messages. One SMS message will cost you one or more credits, depending on the
receiver country. (e.g. sending an SMS to India might cost you one credit while sending an
SMS to the USA might cost you two credits)
- SMS-based
You purchase a number of SMS messages from the SMS gateway provider. The price of one SMS is the same for all destinations.
To get more information, please visit the following websites:
The Ozeki NG SMS Gateway website
The best site about SMS integration
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