Bulk SMS evolved quite a bit over the last couple of years and became quite an industry of its own within the mobile world. It came to my attention recently that most of the people do not realize that the whole text messaging industry changed substantially leading to a distinction that took place between bulk SMS and streaming text messaging.
In simple layman´s terms, bulk SMS takes place when people have a list of numbers to which they deliver one text message. This implies that the text and the sender ID of all messages are exactly the same. In other words, bulk SMS basically entails the broadcasting of a single message to a list of mobile numbers. Delivery of these messages takes place via a web based service, HTTP or SMPP connections.
Due to abuse of the system (sp@m,) the networks now distinguish between bulk SMS and streaming SMS routes. Users wanting to develop services therefore have to decide whether they and or their clients will be sending streaming SMS where each message´s text and sender ID will be different or bulk SMS where the text and sender ID are all the same.
How do I send Bulk SMS?
Customers that do not have their own tech departments could sign up for web-based bulk SMS services. In short, these services allow clients to compile a simple .txt file with the numbers to which the message has to be sent. Client logs on to the interface, upload the file, type the message and click on send. The message will then be delivered to all numbers on the list.
In some cases these companies also make available free desktop software, which customers could use to deliver more than one message to a list of numbers. Customers are not required to pay for the software as they pay per message or credit that they purchase.
Companies that have their own tech departments have the option to connect to a server (bulk SMS gateway) that is set up for text messaging purposes via HTTP or SMPP in order to send their bulk SMS. HTTP API´s are normally supplied to customers with the capability to connect directly with the service provider´s http server.
The difference between the two methods mentioned above lies within the pricing per SMS. When suppliers provide a complete interface where the client is not required to have any technical knowledge, pricing is normally higher as the service provider has to pay for the tech service. Companies or Corporate entities with their own tech experts pay a lower price per SMS as they provide tech support themselves.
When is bulk SMS considered sp@m?
Volume, frequency and the text contained in the message are 3 factors that determine both bulk SMS and sp@m. There is a huge difference when someone sends 100 messages a day vs a once-off push of 14 million messages.
That is the exact reason why the networks now distinguish between bulk SMS and streaming SMS routes and the reason why all customers are asked to describe the nature of their messages prior to setting them up with test accounts.
In conclusion - prior to deciding how you wish to send your Bulk SMS, please ensure that your supplier connects you to the correct route, as streaming routes will block any messages containing the same text and sender ID / Bulk SMS.