October 2019 Summaries

Using SMS for marketing is becoming increasingly popular due to its high open and engagement rates. However, businesses must adhere to new guidelines from the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA) regarding sending messages, particularly in terms of obtaining opt-in consent from customers. The CTIA outlines requirements for three common messaging use cases: conversational, informational, and promotional. Consent can be obtained through various methods such as text, verbal communication, forms, or websites. Adhering to these guidelines ensures message deliverability and protects consumers from unwanted messages. Businesses should consult with experts to ensure compliance with CTIA requirements.

The text addresses common questions about Bandwidth's 911 service, highlighting its applicability in both the United States and Canada, though noting that Canadian companies must manage their own 911 surcharges and taxes. It explains the concept of a Bandwidth 911 "endpoint" record, which comprises essential customer data necessary for emergency calling, differing based on the specific Bandwidth product used. For E911 for VoIP and Unified Communications, the endpoint record includes a telephone number, customer name, and address, while the E911 Dynamic Location Routing solution requires an Alternate End User Identifier, customer name, call back number, and taxation address. The text encourages readers to contact Bandwidth for more information or to consult their available 911 solutions for further details on emergency calling services.

SMS-enabled phone numbers are increasingly being used in multi-channel marketing strategies and embedded communication for apps and services. These virtual numbers, which differ from regular mobile numbers by using IP-based technology to transfer calls and texts at lower charges, allow businesses to send and receive texts locally in different locations worldwide. Long codes and short codes are two types of telephone numbers, with the latter being shorter and easier to remember. SMS-enabled phone numbers can be used for various business purposes such as building brand awareness, promoting timely offers, improving customer service, and making traditional media more measurable. Bandwidth provides SMS-enabled phone number services on long codes, short codes, and toll-free numbers, allowing businesses to send texts using their existing numbers.