How to choose your bulk sms service provider?

One must understand that an SMS provider is a mediator between mobile network operators and SMS service user. In other words, we can say that an SMS provider is a separate entity that only provides messaging services.However, before you select a bulk SMS service provider, you need to consider some factors and then take a decision. Some important factors have been mentioned below.

1. What is the cost of each SMS

This is an important factor and you can pay the bulk SMS provider in two forms:

• Credit Based- In this system, you first purchase a few credits from the provider.Depending upon which country you wish to send the SMS, you will earn some credits every time you send an SMS. The credits may vary from one country to another.
• SMS Based- In this system, you purchase several SMS messages and the cost of sending the SMS to any country will remain the same. For example, if you purchase 10 SMS messages, you can send it to anywhere at the same cost.
Understand the pros and cons from your provider and take an informed decision depending on your requirement and budget.

2. Find out if there are any hidden costs

Normally, bulk SMS service provider do not mention about the fees involved in the pricing. This is done so as to make their service appear cheaper compared to other service providers and you may realize that additional set up fees or any other fees may be charged.

3. Is there any minimum SMS package or a monthly SMS package that you need to purchase?

Some SMS providers may ask you to purchase a minimum amount of SMS. However, it is recommended that you understand your application before you purchase any minimum package. If you are not sure about how successful your SMS application will be, there is no point in purchasing any minimum amount of SMS. Instead, you can purchase a small or less number of SMS messages or credits initially and increase it in case your SMS application gains more traffic.

4. Check the expiry of the SMS messages or credits provided

In most cases, bulk SMS provider will allow you to use the SMS or credits purchased within a stipulated time. After which, the SMS or credits will expire. Therefore, it is important that you choose a provider having no such restrictions and must be able to understand the amount of traffic your application receives.

5. Is the network coverage of SMS provider strong enough?

A good network coverage will ensure that your SMS messages will be delivered without any problems to your targeted mobile users in different countries. Although the website of the SMS provider may list out the supported countries, it may not be an updated one.The SMS provider will not be able to guarantee that a mobile user will receive your SMS in the countries listed on the website. This may happen because the SMS message may be routed via other gateways.Also, it must be noted that SMS may not reach mobile users in case the mobile numbers have been ported.