Vanuatu SMS Best Practices, Compliance, and Features

Vanuatu SMS Market Overview

Market Conditions: Vanuatu's mobile market is characterized by a growing reliance on SMS communications for both personal and business use. The telecommunications sector is served by several mobile operators, with SMS remaining a crucial communication channel due to its reliability and widespread accessibility across the archipelago. While OTT messaging apps are gaining popularity in urban areas, SMS continues to be the most dependable option for reaching users across all regions, particularly in areas with limited internet connectivity.

Key SMS Features and Capabilities in Vanuatu

Vanuatu supports basic SMS functionality with some limitations on advanced features like two-way messaging and concatenation.

Two-way SMS Support

Two-way SMS is not supported in Vanuatu through major SMS providers. This means businesses can send messages to users, but cannot receive replies through the same channel.

Concatenated Messages (Segmented SMS)

Support: Concatenated messaging is not supported in Vanuatu.
Message length rules: Standard SMS character limits apply.
Encoding considerations: Messages should use GSM-7 encoding when possible to maximize character limit and ensure compatibility.

MMS Support

MMS messages are automatically converted to SMS with an embedded URL link. This conversion ensures message delivery while providing a way to share multimedia content through linked resources.

Recipient Phone Number Compatibility

Number Portability

Number portability is not available in Vanuatu. This means mobile numbers remain tied to their original carrier, simplifying message routing and delivery.

Sending SMS to Landlines

Sending SMS to landline numbers is not possible in Vanuatu. Attempts to send messages to landline numbers will result in a failed delivery and a 400 response with error code 21614. These messages will not appear in logs, and accounts will not be charged for failed attempts.

Compliance and Regulatory Guidelines for SMS in Vanuatu

SMS communications in Vanuatu are governed by the Telecommunications and Radiocommunications Regulation Act No. 30 of 2009. The Telecommunications and Radiocommunications Regulator (TRR) oversees compliance and enforcement of telecommunications regulations.

Consent and Opt-In

Explicit Consent Requirements:

• Obtain clear, documented opt-in consent before sending any marketing messages
• Maintain detailed records of when and how consent was obtained
• Include clear terms and conditions during the opt-in process
• Specify the types of messages users will receive and approximate frequency

Best Practices for Consent Collection:

• Use double opt-in processes for marketing campaigns
• Store consent records with timestamp and source
• Regularly update and clean consent databases
• Provide clear privacy policies and terms of service

HELP/STOP and Other Commands

• All SMS campaigns must support standard STOP and HELP commands
• Keywords should be recognized in both English and French (Vanuatu's official languages)
• Common commands include:
  • STOP, UNSUBSCRIBE, CANCEL
  • HELP, INFO, AIDE
• Responses should be immediate and in the same language as the request

Do Not Call / Do Not Disturb Registries

While Vanuatu does not maintain an official Do Not Call registry, businesses should:

• Maintain their own suppression lists
• Honor opt-out requests within 24 hours
• Keep records of opted-out numbers
• Regularly clean contact lists against suppression databases

Time Zone Sensitivity

Vanuatu observes VUT (UTC+11) time zone. Best practices include:

• Send messages between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM local time
• Avoid messaging during public holidays
• Consider cultural and religious observances
• Only send urgent messages outside these hours if explicitly authorized

Phone Numbers Options and SMS Sender Types for in Vanuatu

Alphanumeric Sender ID

Operator network capability: Dynamic alphanumeric sender IDs are supported
Registration requirements: No pre-registration required
Sender ID preservation: Sender IDs are generally preserved as sent

Long Codes

Domestic vs. International:

• Domestic long codes are not supported
• International long codes can be used for messaging

Sender ID preservation: Original sender IDs are typically preserved
Provisioning time: Immediate to 24 hours
Use cases: Ideal for transactional messages and two-factor authentication

Short Codes

Support: Short codes are not currently supported in Vanuatu
Provisioning time: N/A
Use cases: N/A

Restricted SMS Content, Industries, and Use Cases

Restricted Industries and Content:

• Gambling and betting services
• Adult content or services
• Unauthorized financial services
• Cryptocurrency promotions
• Political messaging without proper authorization

Content Filtering

Known Carrier Filtering Rules:

• Messages containing certain keywords may be blocked
• URLs from suspicious domains are filtered
• High-volume identical messages may be flagged

Tips to Avoid Blocking:

• Avoid spam trigger words
• Use approved URL shorteners
• Vary message content for bulk sends
• Maintain consistent sending patterns

Best Practices for Sending SMS in Vanuatu

Messaging Strategy

• Keep messages under 160 characters when possible
• Include clear calls-to-action
• Personalize messages using recipient data
• Maintain consistent brand voice

Sending Frequency and Timing

• Limit to 4-5 messages per month per recipient
• Space messages at least 24 hours apart
• Respect local holidays and customs
• Monitor engagement rates to optimize timing

Localization

• Support both English and French
• Consider local Bislama phrases where appropriate
• Use clear, simple language
• Account for cultural sensitivities

Opt-Out Management

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

Testing and Monitoring

• Test across major local carriers
• Monitor delivery rates daily
• Track engagement metrics
• Regular A/B testing of message content
• Document and analyze delivery failures

SMS API integrations for Vanuatu

Twilio

Twilio provides a robust SMS API for sending messages to Vanuatu. Here's how to implement it:

import { Twilio } from 'twilio';

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

async function sendSMSToVanuatu(
  to: string,
  message: string,
  senderId: string
): Promise<void> {
  try {
    // Ensure phone number is in E.164 format for Vanuatu (+678)
    const formattedNumber = to.startsWith('+678') ? to : `+678${to}`;

    const response = await client.messages.create({
      body: message,
      from: senderId,
      to: formattedNumber,
      // Enable delivery status tracking
      statusCallback: 'https://your-webhook-url.com/status'
    });

    console.log(`Message sent successfully! SID: ${response.sid}`);
  } catch (error) {
    console.error('Error sending message:', error);
    throw error;
  }
}

Sinch

Sinch offers comprehensive SMS capabilities for Vanuatu messaging:

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

// Initialize Sinch client
const sinchClient = new SinchClient({
  servicePlanId: process.env.SINCH_SERVICE_PLAN_ID,
  apiToken: process.env.SINCH_API_TOKEN,
  region: 'au' // Australia region for Vanuatu
});

async function sendSinchSMS(
  recipientNumber: string,
  messageText: string
): Promise<void> {
  try {
    const response = await sinchClient.sms.batches.send({
      sendSMSRequestBody: {
        to: [recipientNumber],
        from: 'YourCompany',
        body: messageText,
        // Enable delivery reports
        deliveryReport: 'summary'
      }
    });

    console.log(`Batch ID: ${response.id}`);
  } catch (error) {
    console.error('Sinch SMS Error:', error);
    throw error;
  }
}

MessageBird

MessageBird provides reliable SMS delivery to Vanuatu:

import { MessageBirdClient } from 'messagebird';

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

async function sendMessageBirdSMS(
  to: string,
  message: string,
  originator: string
): Promise<void> {
  const params = {
    originator: originator,
    recipients: [to],
    body: message,
    // Enable status reports
    reportUrl: 'https://your-webhook-url.com/status'
  };

  try {
    const response = await new Promise((resolve, reject) => {
      messagebird.messages.create(params, (err, response) => {
        if (err) reject(err);
        resolve(response);
      });
    });

    console.log('MessageBird Response:', response);
  } catch (error) {
    console.error('MessageBird Error:', error);
    throw error;
  }
}

Plivo

Plivo's API integration for Vanuatu messaging:

import { Client } from 'plivo';

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

async function sendPlivoSMS(
  destination: string,
  message: string,
  sourceNumber: string
): Promise<void> {
  try {
    const response = await plivo.messages.create({
      src: sourceNumber,
      dst: destination,
      text: message,
      // Optional parameters
      url: 'https://your-webhook-url.com/status',
      method: 'POST'
    });

    console.log('Message UUID:', response.messageUuid);
  } catch (error) {
    console.error('Plivo Error:', error);
    throw error;
  }
}

API Rate Limits and Throughput

• Default rate limit: 1 message per second per destination
• Batch sending limit: 100 messages per request
• Daily sending quota: Based on account level

Strategies for Large-Scale Sending:

• Implement queuing system for high-volume campaigns
• Use batch APIs when available
• Implement exponential backoff for retries
• Monitor throughput and adjust sending rates

Error Handling and Reporting

• Implement comprehensive logging
• Monitor delivery receipts
• Track common error codes:
  • 21614: Invalid number format
  • 21408: Rate limit exceeded
  • 21611: Message blocked
• Store delivery status updates
• Set up automated alerts for failure patterns

Recap and Additional Resources

Key Takeaways:

1. Always format numbers with Vanuatu's country code (+678)
2. Implement proper error handling and logging
3. Monitor delivery rates and adjust sending patterns
4. Follow compliance guidelines strictly
5. Maintain clean opt-out lists

Next Steps:

1. Review the Telecommunications and Radiocommunications Regulation Act
2. Set up delivery status monitoring
3. Implement proper error handling
4. Test throughput limits for your use case

Additional Resources:

• Telecommunications and Radiocommunications Regulator (TRR)
• Vanuatu Telecommunications Act
• SMS Best Practices Guide

Industry Guidelines:

• Mobile Marketing Association Guidelines
• GSMA Messaging Services Guidelines