What is two-way SMS support in Canada?

Two-way SMS support in Canada allows both sending and receiving messages, enabling real-time conversations with customers for purposes like customer support, appointment reminders, or marketing campaigns.

What is the maximum SMS message length in Canada using GSM 3.38 encoding?

The maximum SMS message length in Canada using GSM 3.38 encoding is 136 characters.

What is the maximum SMS message length in Canada using Unicode encoding?

The maximum SMS message length in Canada using Unicode encoding is 70 characters.

Does Canada support MMS messaging?

Yes, Canada supports Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS), allowing the transmission of rich media like images, videos, and audio files.

What happens if I send an SMS to a landline number in Canada?

If you send an SMS to a landline number in Canada, the system sends the message to the carrier, which may convert it into a text-to-speech message delivered via a voice call.

What are the compliance considerations for SMS messaging in Canada?

Compliance considerations include obtaining opt-in consent, sending messages during local daytime hours, supporting HELP/STOP commands, and using short codes or verified toll-free numbers for A2P traffic.

Why is opt-in consent important for SMS marketing in Canada?

Opt-in consent is important to ensure compliance with Canadian regulations and to avoid message filtering by carriers, especially for marketing communications.

When is the best time to send SMS messages in Canada?

Messages should be sent during the recipient's local daytime hours unless the message is urgent.

What is A2P traffic in SMS messaging?

A2P (application-to-person) traffic refers to SMS messages sent from an application to a person, commonly used for marketing or transactional communications.

How can I avoid message filtering by Canadian carriers?

To avoid message filtering, send A2P traffic over short codes or verified toll-free numbers and ensure compliance with opt-in consent and other guidelines.

Is it possible to send images or videos via SMS in Canada?

Yes, you can send images or videos via MMS, which is supported in Canada for transmitting rich media content.

How does message concatenation work in Canada?

Messages exceeding the maximum length are split into multiple segments and reassembled upon receipt, though concatenation support may vary based on sender ID type and character encoding.

Does Canada support two-way SMS?

Yes, Canada supports two-way SMS messaging.

What is the message length limit for SMS in Canada?

For inbound and outbound long codes, the message length is 136 characters for GSM 3.38 encoding and 70 characters for Unicode.

What are the compliance considerations for SMS in Canada?

Sent recommends getting opt-in consent, sending messages during daytime hours, and supporting HELP/STOP messages. A2P traffic should be sent over short codes or verified toll-free numbers for optimal delivery.

What commands should SMS campaigns in Canada support?

SMS campaigns should support commands like HELP and STOP to allow users to manage their subscriptions easily.

Why is number portability important for businesses in Canada?

Number portability is important because it ensures that messages reach intended recipients even if they change service providers, maintaining communication continuity.

What are the benefits of two-way SMS for businesses in Canada?

Two-way SMS allows businesses to engage customers in real-time conversations, enhancing customer support, appointment reminders, and marketing efforts.

What should businesses do to ensure SMS compliance in Canada?

Businesses should obtain opt-in consent, send messages during appropriate hours, support user commands like HELP/STOP, and use verified numbers for A2P traffic.

Are there any specific hours when SMS messages should not be sent in Canada?

Yes, it is recommended to avoid sending SMS messages outside of the recipient's local daytime hours unless the message is urgent.

What is the importance of short codes in Canadian SMS messaging?

Short codes are important for sending A2P traffic as they reduce the likelihood of message filtering by carriers, ensuring better delivery rates.

Complete SMS Guidelines for Canada

Q: Can I keep my mobile number if I change carriers in Canada?

Yes, number portability is available in Canada, allowing users to retain their mobile numbers when switching carriers.

When sending SMS messages to Canada, it's crucial to adhere to specific guidelines to ensure successful delivery and compliance with local regulations. This comprehensive guide outlines the essential SMS messaging rules and best practices for Canada.

Two-Way SMS Support

Canada supports two-way SMS, enabling both sending and receiving messages. This feature is advantageous for businesses aiming to engage in real-time conversations with customers. Whether for customer support, appointment reminders, or marketing campaigns, two-way messaging can significantly enhance user engagement.

Number Portability

Number portability is available in Canada, allowing users to retain their mobile numbers when switching carriers. This is vital for businesses, as it ensures your messages reach the intended recipients even if they change service providers.

Message Length and Concatenation

In Canada, the maximum SMS message length varies based on encoding:

GSM 3.38 encoding: 136 characters
Unicode encoding: 70 characters

Messages exceeding these limits will be split into multiple segments and reassembled upon receipt. Note that concatenation support may vary depending on the sender ID type and character encoding.

MMS Support

Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) is supported in Canada, allowing the transmission of rich media like images, videos, and audio files. MMS can be particularly beneficial for marketing campaigns or sending product information in a visually engaging format.

Sending SMS to Landline Numbers

When sending SMS messages to landline numbers in Canada, the system does not verify if the number is a landline. The message is sent to the carrier, and some carriers may convert the SMS into a text-to-speech message delivered via a voice call. Be aware of this when messaging landline numbers.

Compliance Considerations

Compliance is a critical aspect of SMS messaging in Canada. Canadian mobile carriers enforce strict filtering on application-to-person (A2P) messages, commonly used for marketing or transactional communications. To optimize delivery and avoid message filtering, consider the following:

Opt-in Consent: Obtain opt-in consent from users before sending communications, especially for marketing purposes.
Daytime Communication: Send messages during the recipient's local daytime hours unless the message is urgent.
HELP/STOP Support: Ensure your SMS campaigns support commands like HELP and STOP, allowing users to manage their subscriptions easily.
A2P Traffic: For optimal results, send A2P traffic over short codes or verified toll-free numbers to reduce the likelihood of message filtering by carriers.

By adhering to these guidelines, you can enhance the success of your SMS campaigns in Canada while ensuring compliance with local laws and regulations.

Conclusion

Understanding and following the SMS guidelines for Canada is essential for businesses aiming to communicate effectively with their customers. From two-way SMS support to compliance considerations, adhering to these best practices will help ensure your messages are delivered successfully and legally. Always consult with legal counsel to ensure full compliance with Canadian laws.

For more detailed information on Canadian SMS regulations, visit the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC).