Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Related to Bulk SMS

Ans. Bulk SMS is a messaging service that allows businesses to send large volumes of text messages instantly to customers for alerts, updates, notifications, and marketing communication through approved telecom routes.

Ans. Bulk SMS works through telecom operator networks using registered sender IDs and DLT-approved templates. Messages are routed via secure gateways and delivered directly to customers’ mobile inboxes.

Ans. Businesses of all sizes, including banks, eCommerce brands, schools, hospitals, logistics companies, and enterprises, can use Bulk SMS for secure and compliant customer communication.

Ans. Yes, Bulk SMS is legal in India when sent through TRAI-compliant routes with proper DLT registration, approved templates, and verified sender IDs.

Ans. Promotional SMS is used for marketing campaigns such as offers, discounts, product launches, and brand promotions sent to opted-in customers within TRAI-approved timings.

Ans. Promotional SMS can generally be sent between 10:00 AM and 9:00 PM as per TRAI regulations to protect customer preferences and reduce unsolicited messaging.

Ans. No, promotional SMS cannot be delivered to customers who have activated full DND services, as per telecom compliance guidelines.

Ans. Yes, businesses must complete DLT registration and get promotional templates approved before sending marketing messages.

Promotional SMS
Ans. Used for marketing and advertising. These messages promote products, services, discounts, offers, or brand campaigns.

Transactional SMS
Ans. Used for service-related communication. These messages provide important updates such as order confirmations, OTPs, account alerts, or payment notifications.

Ans. Transactional SMS is used for service-related communication such as order confirmations, account alerts, service updates, and other non-promotional business messages.

Ans. Yes, transactional SMS can be delivered at any time, including to DND numbers, provided the content is strictly service-related and DLT approved.

Ans. Only informational and service-related content is allowed. Promotional or marketing content is not permitted under transactional routes.

Ans. Yes, transactional message templates must be registered and approved under DLT before sending.

Ans. OTP SMS delivers one-time passwords for secure login, payment verification, and transaction authentication using high-priority delivery routes.

Ans. OTP SMS messages are typically delivered within seconds using optimized routes designed for fast and reliable authentication communication.

Ans. Yes, OTP SMS falls under service communication and can be delivered to DND numbers if compliant with DLT regulations.

Ans. Yes, OTP templates must be approved under DLT compliance before sending authentication messages.

Ans. DLT (Distributed Ledger Technology) registration is a mandatory telecom compliance process in India where businesses must register their entity, sender IDs, and SMS templates before sending bulk messages.

Ans. DLT ensures transparency, prevents spam, and protects customers from unsolicited messages by verifying business identity and approved templates.

Ans. Businesses typically need PAN card, GST certificate, business registration proof, and authorized signatory details for DLT registration.

Ans. DLT approval timelines vary by operator but generally take between 24 hours to 5 working days, depending on document verification and template approval.

Ans. Bulk SMS pricing is usually calculated per SMS unit. The cost depends on message type (Promotional, Transactional, OTP), route quality, and operator charges.

Ans. No, pricing is transparent. However, DLT operator fees and telecom regulatory charges may apply separately as per TRAI guidelines.

Ans. SMS credit validity depends on the selected plan. Some plans have validity periods, while enterprise plans may offer extended validity options.

Ans. Yes, GST is applicable as per government taxation rules and will be mentioned clearly on the invoice.

Ans. Most bulk SMS messages are delivered within seconds. However, delivery speed may vary depending on network traffic and operator filtering.

Ans. Yes, bulk SMS platforms allow scheduling messages for a specific date and time to automate campaigns.

Ans. Delivery speed may be affected by operator load, DLT scrubbing, network congestion, and incorrect mobile numbers.

Ans. DLR (Delivery Report) provides real-time status of sent messages, showing whether the SMS was delivered, pending, or failed.

Ans. A standard SMS allows 160 characters in English. If Unicode (regional language) is used, the limit is 70 characters per SMS.

Ans. If the message exceeds the character limit, it is split into multiple SMS parts and billed accordingly.

Ans. Unicode SMS allows sending messages in regional languages such as Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, etc., but with a reduced character limit.

Ans. Yes, certain special characters may change encoding type and reduce the character limit per SMS.

Ans. Yes, SMS can be delivered to all GSM mobile phones without requiring internet connectivity.

Ans. No, SMS works on telecom networks and does not require internet access on the recipient’s device.

Ans. SMS may fail due to invalid numbers, switched-off devices, full inbox, network issues, or DLT scrubbing rejection.

Ans. You can register on the Bulk SMS provider’s website, complete KYC and DLT registration, and activate your account after verification.

Ans. Yes, most bulk SMS platforms provide API integration for websites, CRM systems, and applications.

Ans. Yes, the dashboard allows you to monitor delivery reports, campaign statistics, and credit usage in real time.

Ans. Yes, technical support is available via email, phone, or chat depending on the service provider’s support policy.