Is two-way SMS supported in Puerto Rico?

Yes, two-way SMS is supported in Puerto Rico.

Can I send SMS to landline numbers in Puerto Rico?

No, SMS cannot be sent to landline numbers in Puerto Rico. The Sent REST API will throw a 400 response with error code 21614.

Are there any non-compliance fees for SMS campaigns in Puerto Rico?

Yes, U.S. telecommunications providers, including T-Mobile, may assess fees for non-compliant A2P traffic. Fees include $1,000 for program evasion and $10,000 for content violations.

What is two-way SMS support in Puerto Rico?

Two-way SMS support in Puerto Rico allows users to both receive and reply to SMS messages, enabling interactive communication for businesses.

Can I keep my mobile number if I switch service providers in Puerto Rico?

No, number portability is not available in Puerto Rico, so you cannot retain your mobile number when switching between mobile service providers.

How are MMS messages handled in Puerto Rico?

MMS messages are converted into SMS messages with an embedded URL in Puerto Rico, allowing recipients to access media content via a link.

Are concatenated SMS messages supported in Puerto Rico?

No, concatenated SMS messages are not supported in Puerto Rico. Messages exceeding the character limit will not be split and reassembled, leading to possible truncation.

Can I send SMS to landline numbers in Puerto Rico?

No, sending SMS to landline numbers in Puerto Rico is not supported, and attempts will result in a 400 error code without charges.

What should businesses do to comply with SMS regulations in Puerto Rico?

Businesses should obtain opt-in consent, respect time zones, support HELP/STOP commands, avoid contacting do-not-call registries, and comply with Sent’s policies.

What are the potential fees for non-compliant SMS campaigns in Puerto Rico?

Non-compliance fees include a $1,000 fee for 10DLC program evasion and a $10,000 fee for content violations after a warning, as per T-Mobile's guidelines.

What is the importance of obtaining opt-in consent for SMS campaigns?

Obtaining opt-in consent is crucial to ensure compliance with legal requirements and respect user preferences, especially for marketing communications.

Why is it important to respect time zones when sending SMS in Puerto Rico?

Respecting time zones ensures messages are sent during appropriate hours, reducing the risk of disturbing recipients and improving engagement.

What happens if an SMS message exceeds the character limit in Puerto Rico?

If an SMS message exceeds the character limit in Puerto Rico, it will not be automatically split into segments, leading to potential message truncation.

How can businesses ensure compliance with HELP/STOP messages?

Businesses should configure their systems to recognize and appropriately respond to HELP/STOP commands in the user's local language to comply with regulations.

What is the significance of Sent’s Acceptable Use Policy for SMS campaigns?

Sent’s Acceptable Use Policy outlines the permissible use of their services, helping businesses avoid violations and ensuring compliance with legal and carrier standards.

What are the consequences of violating T-Mobile’s Code of Conduct?

Violations can result in significant fines, such as a $10,000 fee for content violations, emphasizing the need for adherence to guidelines.

What does the 10DLC long code messaging program entail?

The 10DLC long code messaging program is a regulatory framework for A2P messaging that requires proper registration to prevent evasion techniques.

What is SHAFT content, and why is it prohibited?

SHAFT content includes messages related to Sex, Hate, Alcohol, Firearms, and Tobacco, which are prohibited to prevent harmful or inappropriate messaging.

Why is number portability important for businesses?

Number portability allows customers to retain their numbers when switching providers, which is crucial for maintaining consistent communication and customer relationships.

What is the role of the CTIA Short Code Monitoring Handbook?

The CTIA Short Code Monitoring Handbook provides guidelines for short code messaging, helping businesses adhere to industry standards and avoid violations.

How can businesses manage SMS campaigns effectively in Puerto Rico?

By understanding local SMS features, compliance requirements, and limitations, businesses can create effective communication strategies while avoiding penalties.

What should businesses avoid when sending SMS to Puerto Rican recipients?

Businesses should avoid sending messages to do-not-call registries, exceeding character limits, and violating carrier policies to ensure compliance.

Why is it important to review SMS use cases with legal counsel?

Reviewing SMS use cases with legal counsel helps ensure that campaigns comply with applicable laws and regulations, mitigating the risk of legal issues.

Puerto Rico SMS Guidelines: Compliance, Features, and Best Practices

When sending SMS messages to Puerto Rico, understanding the guidelines and compliance requirements is essential to maintain seamless communication and avoid penalties. This article outlines the key SMS features, compliance considerations, and potential non-compliance fees for SMS campaigns targeting Puerto Rico.

Key Features of SMS in Puerto Rico

Two-way SMS Support

Puerto Rico supports two-way SMS messaging, allowing users to receive and respond to SMS messages. This feature is crucial for businesses relying on interactive communication with their customers, such as appointment confirmations, customer service, or surveys.

Number Portability

Number portability is not available in Puerto Rico. Users cannot retain their mobile number when switching between mobile service providers. This limitation is important when managing customer databases or handling long-term communication strategies.

Concatenated Message Support

Concatenated messaging is not supported in Puerto Rico. If a message exceeds the standard SMS character limit, it will not be split into smaller segments and reassembled on the recipient’s device. Businesses should carefully monitor message length to avoid truncation.

MMS Support

Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) is not directly supported in Puerto Rico. MMS messages are converted into SMS with an embedded URL, allowing recipients to access media content via a link rather than receiving the media directly in the message.

SMS to Landline Numbers

Sending SMS to landline numbers in Puerto Rico is not supported. If an attempt is made to send an SMS to a landline, the Sent REST API will return a 400 error with code 21614. The message will not be logged, and no charges will be applied.

Compliance Considerations for SMS Campaigns in Puerto Rico

Compliance is a critical aspect of SMS communication. Sent strongly encourages businesses to review their use cases with qualified legal counsel to ensure adherence to all applicable laws. Below are some general best practices for SMS campaigns in Puerto Rico:

Obtain Opt-In Consent: Always obtain explicit opt-in consent from users before sending any communication, especially for marketing or non-essential messages.
Respect Time Zones: Only send messages during the recipient’s daytime hours unless the message is urgent.
Support HELP/STOP Messages: Ensure that your campaigns recognize and respond to HELP/STOP commands in the user’s local language.
Avoid Contacting Do-Not-Call Registries: Do not send messages to users who are on do-not-call or do-not-disturb lists.
Comply with Sent’s Policies: Adhere to Sent’s Acceptable Use Policy and Messaging Policy, as well as the guidelines set by telecommunications providers.

Non-Compliance Fees for SMS Campaigns

U.S. telecommunications providers may impose fees for non-compliant A2P (application-to-person) traffic, and Sent will pass these fees onto the customer. T-Mobile has announced specific fees for violations of its Code of Conduct:

10DLC Long Code Messaging Program Evasion: A $1,000 fee will be applied if a program or campaign is found to be evading the 10DLC long code messaging program by using techniques such as snowshoeing or unauthorized number replacement/recycling.
Content Violation: After receiving a prior warning, a $10,000 fee may be imposed for each instance of content that violates T-Mobile’s Code of Conduct. This includes SHAFT (Sex, Hate, Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco) violations, spam, phishing, or any messaging that meets the Severity 0 violation as defined in the CTIA Short Code Monitoring Handbook.

These fees underscore the importance of adhering to carrier regulations and maintaining compliance with SMS messaging standards.

Conclusion

When sending SMS messages to Puerto Rico, it’s essential to understand the supported features, such as two-way SMS, and the limitations, such as the lack of number portability and concatenated message support. Compliance with local laws, Sent’s policies, and carrier guidelines is crucial to avoid costly non-compliance fees. By following these guidelines, businesses can ensure smooth and effective communication with their Puerto Rican audience.