Sudan SMS Best Practices, Compliance, and Features

Sudan SMS Market Overview

Market Conditions: Sudan's SMS market is characterized by international traffic support while local traffic remains restricted. The mobile landscape is dominated by key operators like MTN Sudan and Sudani One. SMS remains a crucial communication channel, particularly for business messaging, though OTT messaging apps are gaining popularity. The market primarily serves A2P (Application-to-Person) messaging needs, with P2P (Person-to-Person) traffic being prohibited.

Key SMS Features and Capabilities in Sudan

Sudan offers a structured SMS environment with support for international traffic, concatenated messaging, and alphanumeric sender IDs, though with specific restrictions on two-way messaging and P2P communications.

Two-way SMS Support

Two-way SMS is not supported in Sudan. The market is primarily focused on one-way messaging, particularly for business and application-to-person communications.

Concatenated Messages (Segmented SMS)

Support: Yes, concatenation is supported, though availability may vary based on sender ID type.
Message length rules: Standard SMS character limits apply before message splitting occurs.
Encoding considerations: Both GSM-7 and UCS-2 encoding are supported, with UCS-2 available for alphanumeric sender IDs.

MMS Support

MMS messages are automatically converted to SMS with an embedded URL link. This conversion ensures message delivery while maintaining rich media accessibility through web links.

Recipient Phone Number Compatibility

Number Portability

Number portability is not available in Sudan. This means mobile numbers remain tied to their original network operators.

Sending SMS to Landlines

Sending SMS to landline numbers is not possible in Sudan. Attempts to send messages to landline numbers will result in a 400 response error (code 21614) through REST APIs, with no message logging or charges applied.

Compliance and Regulatory Guidelines for SMS in Sudan

Sudan's SMS regulations focus primarily on content restrictions and sender ID requirements. While there isn't a comprehensive telecom regulatory framework specifically for SMS marketing, businesses must adhere to general telecommunications guidelines and international best practices for messaging.

Consent and Opt-In

While Sudan doesn't have explicit opt-in requirements codified in law, following international best practices for consent is strongly recommended:

• Obtain clear, explicit consent before sending any marketing messages
• Document and maintain records of how and when consent was obtained
• Clearly communicate the type and frequency of messages recipients will receive
• Provide transparent information about how personal data will be used

HELP/STOP and Other Commands

While not legally mandated, implementing standard opt-out mechanisms is considered best practice:

• Support universal STOP commands for immediate opt-out
• Implement HELP commands to provide assistance
• Consider supporting both English and Arabic keywords for broader accessibility
• Process opt-out requests promptly to maintain compliance

Do Not Call / Do Not Disturb Registries

Sudan does not maintain an official Do Not Disturb (DND) registry. However, businesses should:

• Maintain their own suppression lists of opted-out numbers
• Honor opt-out requests immediately
• Implement systems to track and manage opt-outs across campaigns
• Regularly clean and update contact lists

Time Zone Sensitivity

While Sudan doesn't have specific time restrictions for SMS messaging, consider these best practices:

• Send messages between 9:00 AM and 9:00 PM local time (UTC+2)
• Avoid sending during prayer times and religious holidays
• Reserve late-night messaging for urgent communications only
• Consider Ramadan timing adjustments when applicable

Phone Numbers Options and SMS Sender Types for Sudan

Alphanumeric Sender ID

Operator network capability: Supported with pre-registration required
Registration requirements: Pre-registration mandatory, particularly for MTN Sudan network. Dynamic usage is not supported.
Sender ID preservation: Yes, registered sender IDs are preserved and displayed as-is to recipients.
Provisioning time: Approximately 3 weeks for registration approval

Long Codes

Domestic vs. International: International long codes supported; domestic long codes not available
Sender ID preservation: No, original sender IDs are not preserved for international long codes
Provisioning time: N/A for domestic, immediate for international
Use cases: Suitable for transactional messaging and two-factor authentication

Short Codes

Support: Not currently available in Sudan
Provisioning time: N/A
Use cases: N/A

Restricted SMS Content, Industries, and Use Cases

Sudan maintains strict content restrictions for SMS messaging:

• Prohibited Content: Adult content, gambling, religious material, political messages
• Restricted Industries: Financial services and healthcare require additional verification
• P2P Traffic: Person-to-person traffic is prohibited and will be blocked

Content Filtering

Known Carrier Filtering Rules:

• Generic sender IDs (e.g., InfoSMS, INFO, Verify) are often blocked
• P2P traffic is automatically filtered
• Content containing restricted keywords may be blocked

Tips to Avoid Blocking:

• Use registered, brand-specific sender IDs
• Avoid generic terms in sender IDs
• Keep content professional and business-focused
• Maintain consistent sending patterns

Best Practices for Sending SMS in Sudan

Messaging Strategy

• Keep messages under 160 characters when possible
• Include clear call-to-actions
• Use a consistent sender ID across campaigns
• Avoid URL shorteners that might trigger spam filters

Sending Frequency and Timing

• Limit messages to 2-3 per week per recipient
• Respect religious and cultural observances
• Maintain consistent sending patterns
• Avoid sending during major holidays

Localization

• Support both Arabic and English content
• Consider right-to-left text formatting for Arabic messages
• Use local date and time formats
• Include country code (+249) in all numbers

Opt-Out Management

• Process opt-outs within 24 hours
• Maintain centralized opt-out databases
• Include opt-out instructions in messages
• Regular audit of opt-out lists

Testing and Monitoring

• Test messages across major carriers (MTN Sudan, Sudani One)
• Monitor delivery rates by carrier
• Track opt-out rates and patterns
• Regular testing of opt-out functionality

SMS API integrations for Sudan

Twilio

Twilio provides a robust SMS API that supports messaging to Sudan. Integration requires your Account SID and Auth Token from the Twilio Console.

import { Twilio } from 'twilio';

// Initialize the client with your credentials
const client = new Twilio(
  process.env.TWILIO_ACCOUNT_SID,
  process.env.TWILIO_AUTH_TOKEN
);

// Function to send SMS to Sudan
async function sendSMSToSudan(
  to: string,
  message: string,
  senderId: string
): Promise<void> {
  try {
    // Ensure proper formatting for Sudan numbers (+249)
    const formattedNumber = to.startsWith('+249') ? to : `+249${to}`;
    
    const response = await client.messages.create({
      body: message,
      from: senderId, // Must be pre-registered alphanumeric sender ID
      to: formattedNumber,
    });
    
    console.log(`Message sent successfully! SID: ${response.sid}`);
  } catch (error) {
    console.error('Error sending message:', error);
    throw error;
  }
}

Sinch

Sinch offers direct operator connections in Sudan. Their API requires project ID and API token authentication.

import { SinchClient } from '@sinch/sdk-core';

// Initialize Sinch client
const sinchClient = new SinchClient({
  projectId: process.env.SINCH_PROJECT_ID,
  apiToken: process.env.SINCH_API_TOKEN
});

// Function to send SMS using Sinch
async function sendSinchSMS(
  recipients: string[],
  message: string,
  senderId: string
): Promise<void> {
  try {
    const response = await sinchClient.sms.batches.send({
      sendSMSRequestBody: {
        to: recipients.map(num => num.startsWith('+249') ? num : `+249${num}`),
        from: senderId,
        body: message,
        delivery_report: 'summary' // Enable delivery reporting
      }
    });
    
    console.log('Batch ID:', response.id);
  } catch (error) {
    console.error('Sinch SMS Error:', error);
    throw error;
  }
}

MessageBird

MessageBird provides reliable SMS delivery to Sudan with comprehensive delivery reporting.

import messagebird from 'messagebird';

// Initialize MessageBird client
const mbClient = messagebird(process.env.MESSAGEBIRD_API_KEY);

// Function to send SMS via MessageBird
function sendMessageBirdSMS(
  to: string,
  message: string,
  senderId: string
): Promise<any> {
  return new Promise((resolve, reject) => {
    const params = {
      originator: senderId,
      recipients: [to.startsWith('+249') ? to : `+249${to}`],
      body: message,
      reportUrl: process.env.DELIVERY_REPORT_WEBHOOK_URL
    };

    mbClient.messages.create(params, (err, response) => {
      if (err) {
        reject(err);
        return;
      }
      resolve(response);
    });
  });
}

Plivo

Plivo offers SMS capabilities for Sudan with support for alphanumeric sender IDs.

import plivo from 'plivo';

// Initialize Plivo client
const plivoClient = new plivo.Client(
  process.env.PLIVO_AUTH_ID,
  process.env.PLIVO_AUTH_TOKEN
);

// Function to send SMS via Plivo
async function sendPlivoSMS(
  to: string,
  message: string,
  senderId: string
): Promise<void> {
  try {
    const response = await plivoClient.messages.create({
      src: senderId,
      dst: to.startsWith('+249') ? to : `+249${to}`,
      text: message,
      url: process.env.DELIVERY_STATUS_URL // Webhook for delivery status
    });
    
    console.log('Message UUID:', response.messageUuid);
  } catch (error) {
    console.error('Plivo Error:', error);
    throw error;
  }
}

API Rate Limits and Throughput

• Default rate limits vary by provider (typically 1-10 messages per second)
• Implement exponential backoff for retry logic
• Consider using queue systems like Redis or RabbitMQ for high-volume sending
• Batch messages where possible to optimize throughput

Error Handling and Reporting

• Implement comprehensive error logging
• Monitor delivery receipts via webhooks
• Track common error codes:
  • Invalid sender ID
  • Network rejection
  • Invalid number format
• Store message metadata for troubleshooting

Recap and Additional Resources

Key Takeaways

1. Compliance Priorities

   • Pre-register alphanumeric sender IDs
   • Respect content restrictions
   • Maintain opt-out lists

2. Technical Considerations

   • Proper number formatting (+249)
   • Delivery receipt monitoring
   • Rate limit management

3. Best Practices

   • Test thoroughly before large campaigns
   • Implement proper error handling
   • Monitor delivery rates

Next Steps

1. Review the National Telecommunications Corporation (NTC) guidelines
2. Consult legal counsel for compliance verification
3. Set up test accounts with preferred SMS providers
4. Implement delivery monitoring systems

Additional Information

• National Telecommunications Corporation
• Sudan Electronic Transactions Act
• GSMA Guidelines for Sudan

Provider-Specific Resources:

• Twilio Sudan Guidelines
• Sinch Country-Specific Requirements
• MessageBird Coverage Information
• Plivo SMS API Documentation