What is meant by a Bulk SMS Service Provider?
When the title or phrase comes up with the terminology of a bulk SMS service provider it is referring to a service a specialised IT company is able to distribute a large volume of short text messages (SMS) directly to mobile phones. It is a great way of sending out an alert or a reminder, or some form of update to employees and customers quickly in just a few words. The main users of such communication are usually media companies, banks, consumer branded organisations, and entertainment companies. But it is widely used by small and medium sized enterprises whether they are dentists, physiotherapy or doctors as reminders or alerts as a means of communications.
Software used by Bulk SMS Service Providers
From a client perspective there is virtually no software required other than access to the internet (i.e. web- based)so that the client can tell the Bulk Service provider what message needs to be disseminated promptly. From the bulk sms provider, they will have developed a variety of reliable software packages for sending and receiving bulk SMS These software packages have the ability to provide users with the ability to add as many mobile phone numbers as needed and in a way that they can be managed in different methods. Most SMS software applications have the structure in place to upload lists and groups of mobile numbers using either a text file or a CSV file system.
Dependent on the nature of the bulk SMS service provider, many of their software applications are sophisticated enough to be able to automatically add or delete any duplication numbers as well as to be able to validate prior to sending the text message. With such features, SMS can be scheduled to any desired time, day or month and be distributed on a national and international telecommunication network as long as they have such facilities.
Most Bulk SMS Providers have the standard application program interface called API to allow program designers to add text messaging service to programs such as FTP, SMPP, HTTP and Email.
Comparing Bulk SMS Service Providers
In reviewing and comparing a number of reputable Bulk SMS Service Providers, it was found that ClickSend was best value in terms of features, price and customer support service. The information was gathered and analysed by experts in the SMS field (who no longer work in this area and therefore are independent of these providers) using a range of selection criteria including message distribution costs, network availability, customer support, credit availability, and so on.
Based on all these features, it viewed ClickSend as the best value bulk SMS provider dependent upon:
- Offering the same service whether they are large, medium or small organisations;
- A comparable cheaper price than many of its equivalent competitors
- Features such as developer API, Web SMS platform’ Email to SMS and Two-way SMS
- 100% Up-time guarantee
- American 24/7 customer support service with a 1800 number
- Direct telecommunication carriers as well as global carriers.
ClickSend is a one-stop bulk SMS provider for all mobile marketing and communication requirements offering a level of comfort that it is American based with a relatively cheap range of bulk distribution schedule charges.
Some of the sensible ways of using a bulk SMS service provider
There are a number of different ways a client can engage a bulk sms service provider to send out information quickly and effectively. Take some examples:
- For retailers to give their customers and potential customers a better shopping experience by updating them about buying and their selling products in order to make sales.
- For schools and institutions to inform students, teachers and parents about an issue that needs attention.
- For sporting events whether they are big or small, SMS is a very effective way to coordinate an event from all perspectives.
- For businesses who offer trade shows, exhibitions or announcements, text messaging to let people know when and where an event activity will take place.
- For the health fraternity to provide approaches that offer the right support and service to deal with a large scale epidemic or an issue that is becoming endemic in society.
Reliability of bulk SMS service providers
From the reviews carried out to analyse the reliability factor of each bulk sms provider, which is so important as they are sending out large volumes of text messages at any one time, it was seen all of them present a 99% or better uptime guarantee for their deliverables. That’s pleasing to know. The one that stood out the best was ClickSend with a 100% Uptime Guarantee or your money back. That’s something that wasn’t evident with the other bulk sms providers.
All presented a SPAM compliance standard as well as the ability to monitor the incoming and outgoing text messages. Obviously, security and confidentiality are two major concerns of any client. In all the cases that were reviewed, there was a security policy that meant that each provider took security very seriously.
Customer Care Support by bulk SMS service providers
This was an interesting area to review. There were bulk sms companies that either did not provide any customer care contact numbers like MessageBird or provided an international call centre number but with the time difference, this could be a real issue. Only two providers, namely ClickSend and SMS Solutions had an 1800 number that was accessible on a 24/7 basis. The other bulk sms providers had an 1300 number, some not expressing the time it would take to respond. Some companies had Live Chat and some offered a free trial on the basis of a specific number of SMS for the trial to no offer or a minimal charge or a time period to trial their service.
All bulk sms providers did have an email contact but some stated it could take a day or two to respond and all provided real time reporting availability. Some of the providers are overseas based while others are USA based such as ClickSend, SMS Global, BurstSMS and SMS Solutions USA.
ClickSend and SMS Solutions were ranked as the best in terms of customer care support service.
About Bulk SMS Service Provider Comparison Table
The Comparison Table of major Bulk SMS Service Providers is presented as an easy way to be able to compare the features of major players within the bulk text messaging service. It shows the major features such as provider’s technology, charges, telecommunication carriers, reliability, and customer care service to mention a few. By looking at the Table and reading the support reference material on the site you will gain a better insight into what each provider has to offer you or a prospective client.
The Table was prepared and is on going reviewed by experts in the SMS field w who do not work directly for any of the companies discussed and are independent, not now working in the SMS field. These developers saw the difficulty people had in working out who to engage and what asset each brings to the table.
It needs to be stressed that this is a changing document as charges and features change all the time and should there be any features that are incorrect or the charges have changes without any warning of such imminent changes before hand, please let the authors know and such changes will be immediately made. Additionally, if any one of the bulk sms providers engaged to do work for you, then the authors will ask the SMS providers a commission.
Last modified on 23/04/2017