Is two-way SMS supported in Mozambique?

No, two-way SMS is not supported in Mozambique.

Can I send multimedia messages (MMS) in Mozambique?

No, MMS is not supported. However, multimedia content will be converted to an SMS with an embedded URL.

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

You cannot send SMS to a landline in Mozambique. The Sent API will return a 400 error code, and the message will not be logged or charged.

What is the status of two-way SMS support in Mozambique?

Two-way SMS support is not available in Mozambique. Businesses should explore alternative methods for customer engagement.

Can users in Mozambique retain their mobile numbers when switching providers?

No, number portability is not supported in Mozambique, so users cannot retain their mobile numbers when switching providers.

Are concatenated SMS messages supported in Mozambique?

Yes, concatenated messages are supported but with limitations. Long messages are split into segments and rejoined at the recipient's end, depending on encoding format and sender ID.

Is MMS supported in Mozambique?

No, MMS is not supported in Mozambique. Multimedia content is converted to a standard SMS with an embedded URL for access.

Can businesses send SMS messages to landline numbers in Mozambique?

No, sending SMS messages to landline numbers in Mozambique is not allowed and will result in a 400 error.

What is required for SMS compliance in Mozambique?

Businesses must obtain opt-in consent, respect local time zones, support STOP/HELP messages, and avoid contacting users on do-not-call registries.

Why is obtaining opt-in consent important for SMS marketing in Mozambique?

Obtaining opt-in consent is crucial to ensure compliance with local regulations and to maintain customer trust when sending SMS messages.

How should businesses handle SMS messages during network instability in Mozambique?

Businesses should prepare for potential delays or delivery failures and stay informed via updates on the status page during network instability.

What are the best practices for sending SMS messages in Mozambique?

Best practices include obtaining opt-in consent, respecting local time zones, supporting STOP/HELP messages, and avoiding do-not-call registries.

How can businesses manage contact lists effectively in Mozambique?

Businesses should carefully manage contact lists since number portability is not supported, meaning users cannot retain their numbers when switching providers.

What should businesses do if they send an SMS to a landline number in Mozambique?

Businesses should verify recipient numbers to avoid sending SMS to landlines, as it results in a 400 error and the message is not logged or charged.

Why is it important to respect local time zones when sending SMS in Mozambique?

Respecting local time zones helps maintain a positive user experience and ensures messages are sent during appropriate hours.

What is the significance of supporting STOP/HELP messages in Mozambique?

Supporting STOP/HELP messages allows users to easily opt-out or seek help, which is important for compliance and customer satisfaction.

What happens if a business contacts a user on a do-not-call registry in Mozambique?

Contacting users on do-not-call registries can result in legal penalties and damage to the business's reputation.

What should businesses do to prepare for network instability in Mozambique?

Businesses should stay informed about potential disruptions and plan for possible delays in SMS delivery during network upgrades.

Where can businesses find more detailed guidance on SMS compliance in Mozambique?

Businesses can consult official legal resources to ensure all SMS communications comply with local regulations.

Are there any legal penalties for non-compliance with SMS regulations in Mozambique?

Yes, non-compliance with SMS regulations can result in legal penalties and damage to a business's reputation.

How can businesses ensure their SMS messages are compliant in Mozambique?

Businesses should follow best practices such as obtaining opt-in consent, respecting time zones, and supporting STOP/HELP messages.

What technical limitations should businesses consider when sending SMS in Mozambique?

Businesses should consider limitations such as the lack of two-way SMS support, no number portability, and lack of MMS support.

How can businesses verify recipient numbers before sending SMS in Mozambique?

Businesses should implement systems to check if numbers are mobile and not landlines to avoid errors and ensure successful delivery.

Mozambique SMS Guidelines: Best Practices and Compliance

Mozambique offers a growing market for SMS communications. However, businesses must adhere to specific guidelines to ensure compliance and effective message delivery. This article outlines key aspects of SMS messaging in Mozambique, including technical limitations, compliance considerations, and best practices.

Key Technical Information

Two-way SMS Support: Not available. Businesses should explore alternative methods for customer engagement.
Number Portability: Not supported. Users cannot retain their mobile numbers when switching providers, so businesses should manage contact lists carefully.
Concatenated Messages: Supported, but with limitations. Long messages are split into multiple segments and rejoined at the recipient's end, varying by encoding format and sender ID.
MMS Support: Not supported. Multimedia content is converted to a standard SMS with an embedded URL for access.
SMS to Landline Numbers: Not allowed. Sending an SMS to a landline will result in a 400 error, and the message will not be logged or charged. Verify recipient numbers to avoid this.

Compliance Considerations

To maintain compliance and customer trust, businesses must adhere to local laws and regulations when sending SMS messages in Mozambique. Here are some best practices:

Obtain Opt-in Consent: Secure user permission before sending any communication, especially marketing messages.
Respect Local Time Zones: Send SMS messages during daytime hours unless urgent, to maintain a positive user experience.
Support STOP/HELP Messages: Allow users to easily opt-out or seek help by sending STOP or HELP messages, supported in the local language.
Avoid Contacting Users on Do-Not-Call Registries: Respect users on do-not-call or do-not-disturb lists to avoid legal penalties and reputation damage.

Network Stability in Mozambique

As of March 2020, the MCEL Network in Mozambique is undergoing infrastructure upgrades, leading to potential service instability. Sent is collaborating with suppliers to minimize disruptions and will provide updates on its Status Page. Businesses should prepare for potential delays or delivery failures during this period.

Conclusion

Understanding SMS guidelines and compliance requirements in Mozambique is crucial for businesses engaging with customers via mobile messaging. By following these best practices and staying informed about technical limitations, companies can ensure smooth and compliant SMS communications in this region.

For more detailed guidance on SMS messaging in Mozambique, consult with official legal resources to ensure all communications comply with local regulations.