July 2019 Summaries

The Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA) has updated its Messaging Best Practices and Guidelines for the first time since January 2017. These changes may affect businesses sending text messages, particularly those using local numbers not approved for new 10DLC carrier routes. Key updates include acknowledging toll-free and local numbers as accepted A2P messaging channels, defining non-acceptable A2P routes, clarifying P2P traffic guidelines, and expanding opt-in requirements for consumer consent.

A chatbot is a computer program designed to simulate conversation with human users, such as Google Assistant, Amazon's Alexa, and Apple's Siri. By 2020, over 50% of medium to large enterprises are expected to have deployed product chatbots. Chatbots work through Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Natural Language Understanding (NLU), which help computers understand, interpret, and manipulate human language. Services like Google's Dialogflow and Amazon's Lex provide APIs for real-time communication with NLU algorithms. The goal of chatbots is to automate simple tasks, allowing employees to focus on higher priority tasks. Chatbots can also deliver instant responses at any time of the day. To create a chatbot using Bandwidth, combine its Messaging API with an NLU API of choice.

Enterprises adopting cloud technology face challenges in ensuring legal compliance, particularly with policies like GDPR. Non-compliant communications providers risk service disruption and negative customer experiences. Compliance is crucial to maintain stable, available services as local laws vary across countries and are becoming stricter over time. Businesses should work with fully compliant providers to avoid service downtime, lost revenues, negative CX, poor brand perception, increased marketing costs, and hefty fines. Companies like ours continuously cover 92% of the world's GDP with 100% compliant services, ensuring a stable and reliable communication experience for customers.

This blog post provides an overview of how to send Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) using Bandwidth's Messaging V2 product. MMS is a method of sending text messages that contain media files like images, videos, audio, and GIFs, which SMS cannot do. The limit on file size with MMS varies depending on carrier, but it is generally recommended not to send any files larger than 500 kb to avoid issues with these limits. To send an MMS using Bandwidth's API, you need a Bandwidth account enabled for V2 Messaging and all the proper credentials for that account, coding skills (NodeJS is used in this example), an account with GIPHY, and a desire to find awesome GIFs on the Internet. The process involves setting up requirements, defining a Bandwidth client using credentials, creating a GIPHY API URL using command line arguments, sending a request to GIPHY to pull a GIF, and finally sending an MMS.

The fifth and final video in a series on message deliverability discusses how to measure and improve your SMS delivery rate. Error codes, provided via an API callback or Bandwidth Dashboard, indicate where messages were stopped and why. P2P routes only track messages to the recipient's carrier, while A2P routes provide deeper insight by tracking all the way to the phone. Message delivery receipts are also available for detailed message delivery information. By understanding how many messages were delivered, businesses can better assess their messaging ROI and make improvements to increase delivery rates.

The Fourth of July is a significant holiday that not only celebrates warm weather, fireworks, and cheeseburgers but also serves as a reminder of the efforts made by the founding fathers. Despite the advancements in technology, the 911 infrastructure has been slow to adapt to modern communication methods such as smartphones, apps, and VoIP technology. However, new solution providers are entering the industry with innovative ideas to address these challenges and improve public safety. By leveraging technology and partnering with experts, it is possible to enhance emergency calling options and ensure a safer future for all.

The debate between hosted PBX and SIP trunking revolves around control over communications. A hosted PBX is a managed offsite service that requires less on-site equipment but offers limited control over call traffic and add-on services. On the other hand, SIP trunking allows businesses to transfer call traffic over the internet, offering increased flexibility and cost savings. While SIP trunking may require a larger initial investment and a stable broadband connection, it is recommended for larger businesses seeking full benefits of cloud communications.

SIP trunking is a cost-effective solution for businesses as it reduces communication expenses. When paying for a SIP trunk, the primary consideration is usually the number of channels in the trunk. A channel represents the data capacity required to make one concurrent call on a network. The more channels you have, the more calls can be made and received simultaneously. Think of these channels like lanes on a highway, with each lane capable of containing a certain amount of cars (data). If traffic increases, adding more lanes helps smooth out the flow. Similarly, adding more channels to a SIP trunk allows for more data usage in making calls. The cost of a channel depends on the provider, so it's essential to compare prices and choose a suitable plan.

The fourth part of a five-part series on message deliverability discusses best practices for maximizing business text messaging deliverability. Key points include obtaining prior written permission, sending confirmation messages after opt-in, supporting HELP and STOP keywords, including brand name in messages, avoiding multiple numbers, and being cautious with link shorteners. Following these guidelines can help ensure that your messages are delivered to customers' inboxes and improve the effectiveness of your messaging campaigns.