Yemen SMS Best Practices, Compliance, and Features

Yemen SMS Market Overview

Market Conditions: Yemen's mobile telecommunications market is developing, with SMS remaining a crucial communication channel despite infrastructure challenges. The market is dominated by key operators including Yemen Mobile (TeleYemen) and other regional providers. While OTT messaging apps are gaining popularity in urban areas, SMS continues to be reliable for reaching users across the country, particularly for business communications and authentication services.

Key SMS Features and Capabilities in Yemen

Yemen supports basic SMS functionality with some limitations on advanced features, focusing primarily on one-way messaging capabilities for business and authentication purposes.

Two-way SMS Support

Two-way SMS is not supported in Yemen according to current operator specifications. This limitation affects interactive messaging campaigns and automated response systems.

Concatenated Messages (Segmented SMS)

Support: Yes, concatenated messages are supported, though availability may vary by sender ID type.
Message length rules: Standard SMS length limits apply, with messages being split according to encoding type.
Encoding considerations: Both GSM-7 and UCS-2 encoding are supported, with UCS-2 particularly important for Arabic text messages.

MMS Support

MMS messages are not directly supported in Yemen. Instead, MMS content is automatically converted to SMS with an embedded URL link where recipients can view the multimedia content. This ensures message delivery while maintaining access to rich media content.

Recipient Phone Number Compatibility

Number Portability

Number portability is not available in Yemen. This means mobile numbers remain tied to their original network operators, simplifying message routing but limiting consumer flexibility.

Sending SMS to Landlines

Sending SMS to landline numbers is not supported in Yemen. Attempts to send messages to landline numbers will result in a failed delivery and an error response (400 error code 21614) from the messaging API, with no charges applied to the sender's account.

Compliance and Regulatory Guidelines for SMS in Yemen

While Yemen does not have a comprehensive SMS marketing regulatory framework, businesses must follow general telecommunications guidelines and international best practices. The Yemen Ministry of Telecommunications and Information Technology oversees telecommunications services, though specific SMS regulations are limited.

Consent and Opt-In

Best Practices for Consent:

• Obtain explicit opt-in consent before sending any marketing or promotional messages
• Document and maintain records of consent acquisition
• Clearly communicate the type and frequency of messages recipients will receive
• Provide transparent information about how personal data will be used
• Include clear terms and conditions during the opt-in process

HELP/STOP and Other Commands

While not strictly required by local regulations, implementing standard opt-out mechanisms is strongly recommended:

• Support both English and Arabic keywords for STOP/HELP commands
• Common Arabic stop words should include "توقف" and "إلغاء"
• Maintain a clear audit trail of opt-out requests
• Process opt-out requests within 24 hours

Do Not Call / Do Not Disturb Registries

Yemen does not maintain an official Do Not Call or Do Not Disturb registry. However, businesses should:

• Maintain their own suppression lists
• Honor opt-out requests immediately
• Implement internal do-not-contact databases
• Regularly clean and update contact lists

Time Zone Sensitivity

Yemen operates in the Arabia Standard Time zone (UTC+3). While there are no strict timing regulations:

• Recommended sending hours: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM local time
• Avoid sending during: Prayer times, late nights, and early mornings
• Religious considerations: Respect Ramadan and other religious observances
• Emergency messages: Can be sent outside standard hours if truly urgent

Phone Numbers Options and SMS Sender Types for Yemen

Alphanumeric Sender ID

Operator network capability: Dynamic Alphanumeric Sender IDs are supported
Registration requirements: Pre-registration required for Yemen Mobile (TeleYemen, CDMA); other networks don't require registration
Sender ID preservation: Not guaranteed - may be replaced with generic Sender ID depending on network

Long Codes

Domestic vs. International:

• Domestic long codes: Not supported
• International long codes: Supported but with limitations

Sender ID preservation: No - numeric sender IDs may be replaced with generic ones
Provisioning time: Immediate for international long codes
Use cases: Best suited for transactional messages and notifications

Short Codes

Support: Short codes are not available in Yemen
Provisioning time: N/A
Use cases: N/A

Restricted SMS Content, Industries, and Use Cases

Prohibited Content and Industries:

• Gambling and betting
• Cryptocurrency and forex trading
• Adult content
• Political messaging
• Loan traffic
• Unauthorized financial services

Content Filtering

Known Carrier Filtering Rules:

• Messages containing restricted keywords are automatically blocked
• URLs may trigger additional scrutiny
• High-volume sending patterns may be flagged

Tips to Avoid Blocking:

• Avoid sensitive keywords and phrases
• Use approved sender IDs
• Maintain consistent sending patterns
• Keep URLs to a minimum
• Use clear, straightforward language

Best Practices for Sending SMS in Yemen

Messaging Strategy

• Keep messages under 160 characters when possible
• Include clear call-to-actions
• Use personalization thoughtfully
• Avoid excessive punctuation and special characters

Sending Frequency and Timing

• Limit messages to 2-3 per week per recipient
• Respect prayer times and religious observances
• Avoid sending during sensitive periods
• Space out bulk campaigns to prevent network congestion

Localization

• Support both Arabic and English content
• Use proper Arabic character encoding
• Consider cultural sensitivities
• Include appropriate greeting formats

Opt-Out Management

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

Testing and Monitoring

• Test across all major Yemen operators
• Monitor delivery rates closely
• Track engagement metrics
• Regular testing of opt-out functionality

SMS API integrations for Yemen

Twilio

Twilio provides a robust SMS API that supports messaging to Yemen. Here's how to implement it:

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 Yemen
async function sendSMSToYemen(
  to: string,
  message: string,
  senderId: string
): Promise<void> {
  try {
    // Ensure proper Yemen phone number formatting
    const formattedNumber = to.startsWith('+967') ? to : `+967${to}`;

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

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

Sinch

Sinch offers comprehensive SMS capabilities for Yemen with support for various sender ID types:

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

// Initialize Sinch client
const sinchClient = new SinchClient({
  projectId: process.env.SINCH_PROJECT_ID,
  keyId: process.env.SINCH_KEY_ID,
  keySecret: process.env.SINCH_KEY_SECRET
});

// Function to send SMS using Sinch
async function sendSinchSMS(
  recipientNumber: string,
  messageText: string
): Promise<void> {
  try {
    const response = await sinchClient.sms.batches.send({
      sendSMSRequestBody: {
        to: [recipientNumber],
        from: 'YourBrand', // Alphanumeric sender ID
        body: messageText,
        // Optional delivery report URL
        deliveryReport: 'URL'
      }
    });

    console.log('Message sent:', response);
  } catch (error) {
    console.error('Failed to send message:', error);
  }
}

MessageBird

MessageBird provides reliable SMS delivery to Yemen with advanced features:

import { MessageBird } from 'messagebird';

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

// Function to send SMS via MessageBird
async function sendMessageBirdSMS(
  to: string,
  message: string
): Promise<void> {
  const params = {
    originator: 'CompanyName',
    recipients: [to],
    body: message,
    // Optional parameters
    reportUrl: 'https://your-webhook.com/delivery-reports'
  };

  messagebird.messages.create(params, (err, response) => {
    if (err) {
      console.error('Error:', err);
      return;
    }
    console.log('Message sent successfully:', response);
  });
}

Plivo

Plivo offers straightforward SMS integration for Yemen:

import { Client } from 'plivo';

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

// Function to send SMS using Plivo
async function sendPlivoSMS(
  destination: string,
  message: string
): Promise<void> {
  try {
    const response = await client.messages.create({
      src: 'YourBrand', // Sender ID
      dst: destination,
      text: message,
      // Optional URL callback
      url: 'https://your-webhook.com/status'
    });

    console.log('Message sent:', response);
  } catch (error) {
    console.error('Error sending message:', error);
  }
}

API Rate Limits and Throughput

• Default rate limit: 1 message per second per destination
• Batch sending: Maximum 100 messages per batch
• Daily sending limits may apply based on account type

Strategies for Large-Scale Sending:

• Implement queuing system for high-volume campaigns
• Use batch APIs when available
• Space out sends to avoid carrier throttling
• Monitor delivery rates and adjust sending speed accordingly

Error Handling and Reporting

Common Error Codes:

• 4001: Invalid sender ID
• 4002: Invalid destination number
• 4003: Message content restricted
• 4004: Rate limit exceeded

Logging Best Practices:

• Log all API responses
• Track delivery receipts
• Monitor bounce rates
• Implement retry logic for failed messages

Recap and Additional Resources

Key Takeaways

1. Compliance Priorities:

   • Obtain explicit consent
   • Respect time zones and cultural considerations
   • Follow content restrictions

2. Technical Considerations:

   • Use proper phone number formatting (+967)
   • Implement proper error handling
   • Monitor delivery rates

3. Best Practices:

   • Test thoroughly before large campaigns
   • Maintain clean contact lists
   • Regular monitoring and reporting

Next Steps

1. Review Yemen's telecommunications regulations
2. Set up test accounts with preferred SMS providers
3. Implement proper error handling and monitoring
4. Establish compliance documentation

Additional Resources

• Yemen Ministry of Telecommunications
• International Telecommunications Union - Yemen Profile
• GSMA Guidelines for Yemen

Technical Documentation:

• Twilio Yemen Guidelines
• Sinch API Documentation
• MessageBird API Reference
• Plivo API Guide