Bulk SMS Messages: Sending Factors, Delivery Tracking, and Rate

Bulk SMS is a messaging service that allows you to send a large number of SMS (Short Message Service) messages simultaneously to multiple recipients. The exact number of SMS messages you can send at once using Bulk SMS depends on various factors, including the limitations set by your service provider and the capacity of their messaging infrastructure.

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By: 👤 Teachable Tech

Date: 📅 09/08/2023

Here's a detailed explanation of the factors that determine the number of SMS messages you can send at once:

Service Provider Limitations:
Your Bulk SMS service provider may impose certain limitations on the maximum number of SMS messages you can send in a single batch. These limitations can vary based on your subscription plan or the specific terms and conditions of the service.
Network Congestion:
The number of SMS messages that can be sent at once can also be influenced by network congestion. If the cellular network is experiencing high traffic or temporary issues, it may slow down the delivery of messages, leading to limitations on simultaneous sending.
Message Length:
SMS messages have a character limit of 160 characters per message for standard SMS, or 70 characters for messages containing special characters or Unicode. If your messages exceed these limits, they will be split into multiple SMS messages. The number of messages required to send your content will affect the total number of SMS messages you can send in one go.
Sender ID Restrictions:
Some countries or network operators have restrictions on the sender ID used for Bulk SMS messages. For example, they may require specific sender IDs or impose limitations on the number of messages that can be sent with a particular sender ID within a specific time period. These restrictions can impact the number of SMS messages you can send at once.
Throughput Capacity:
Bulk SMS providers have systems and infrastructure in place to handle high message volumes. The throughput capacity of their infrastructure determines how many messages can be processed within a given time frame. This capacity can vary based on the provider's infrastructure and the resources allocated to your account.

Track the Delivery Status of Your Bulk SMS Messages

Tracking the delivery status of Bulk SMS messages is an important aspect of managing your SMS campaigns. It allows you to monitor the progress of message delivery and ensure that your recipients receive the intended messages. The exact method of tracking delivery status can vary depending on the features provided by your Bulk SMS service provider. Here are some common methods used for tracking delivery status:

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Delivery Reports:
Many Bulk SMS providers offer delivery reports as a standard feature. These reports provide detailed information about the status of each message sent, including whether it has been delivered successfully, failed, or is still pending. Delivery reports typically include timestamps, recipient numbers, and delivery status codes for each message.
API Integration:
If you are using a Bulk SMS service that offers an application programming interface (API), you can integrate the API into your software or application to track delivery status programmatically. The API allows you to send messages and receive real-time delivery status updates, enabling you to automate the tracking process.
Message Logs:
Some Bulk SMS providers offer message logs within their user interface or dashboard. These logs display the history of sent messages along with their delivery statuses. You can search for specific messages, filter by date, recipient number, or delivery status, and view the corresponding delivery information.
Real-Time Notifications:
Some Bulk SMS providers offer real-time notifications for message delivery status. You can configure your account settings to receive notifications via email, SMS, or through an API callback when a message is delivered or if any delivery failures occur.
DLR (Delivery Receipt) Callbacks:
Delivery Receipt (DLR) callbacks are HTTP requests sent by the Bulk SMS provider to your specified URL to notify you of the delivery status of each message. You can set up a callback endpoint on your server to receive these requests and process the delivery status updates accordingly.
Reporting and Analytics:
Advanced Bulk SMS platforms may offer reporting and analytics features that provide insights into the overall performance of your SMS campaigns. These reports can include metrics such as delivery rates, open rates, click-through rates, and other relevant statistics.

It's important to note that the availability of delivery tracking features may vary among Bulk SMS providers. Some providers offer comprehensive tracking options, while others may provide only basic delivery reports. It's advisable to check with your chosen service provider to understand the specific tracking capabilities they offer and how to access and interpret the delivery status information provided.

Delivery Rate of Bulk SMS Messages

The delivery rate of Bulk SMS messages refers to the percentage of SMS messages that are successfully delivered to the intended recipients out of the total number of messages sent. It is an essential metric that measures the effectiveness of your SMS campaigns and the reliability of the Bulk SMS service provider. Here's a detailed explanation of the factors influencing the delivery rate of Bulk SMS messages:

Valid Recipient Numbers:
The accuracy and validity of recipient numbers play a crucial role in determining the delivery rate. If you have a high-quality and up-to-date contact list with correct mobile numbers, the chances of successful delivery increase. Invalid or outdated numbers, such as disconnected or wrong numbers, can result in failed deliveries and lower the overall delivery rate.
Network Operator Restrictions:
Network operators may impose certain restrictions on SMS delivery, such as rate limits or content filtering. These restrictions can affect the delivery rate, particularly when sending messages to specific networks or countries. It's important to understand and comply with the regulations and guidelines set by network operators to optimize the delivery rate.
Message Content:
The content of your SMS messages can also influence the delivery rate. Messages containing prohibited or spam-like content may be flagged by network operators or filtered by spam detection systems, resulting in delivery failures. It's crucial to craft messages that comply with regulations, avoid spam triggers, and provide relevant and valuable information to recipients.
DND (Do Not Disturb) Filters:
Some recipients may have activated Do Not Disturb (DND) services, which prevent them from receiving promotional or unsolicited messages. DND filters are implemented by network operators as a measure to protect users' privacy and prevent unwanted messages. The delivery rate may be affected if a significant number of recipients have activated DND.
Sender ID Reputation:
The reputation of the sender ID used for Bulk SMS messages can impact the delivery rate. Sender ID reputation is influenced by factors such as previous message delivery rates, user complaints, compliance with regulations, and adherence to best practices. A good sender ID reputation increases the likelihood of successful message delivery.
Network Congestion and Temporary Issues:
Network congestion or temporary issues within the cellular network can impact the delivery rate of Bulk SMS messages. High traffic or technical problems may cause delays or failed deliveries. However, reputable Bulk SMS providers usually have mechanisms in place to manage such situations and minimize their impact on delivery rates.
Routing and Delivery Infrastructure:
The efficiency and capacity of the Bulk SMS service provider's routing and delivery infrastructure are vital for achieving high delivery rates. Providers with robust systems and partnerships with multiple network operators can optimize routing and handle high message volumes, leading to better delivery rates.

To optimize the delivery rate of your Bulk SMS messages, it is advisable to follow best practices, ensure data accuracy, comply with regulations, and choose a reliable and reputable Bulk SMS service provider. Monitoring delivery rates, analyzing delivery reports, and addressing any issues or concerns promptly can help improve the overall effectiveness of your SMS campaigns.