Picking A2P SMS Provider is getting critical with the fast-growing usage of Short Message Service/SMS for business marketing for reaching a rising number of smartphone users all over the world.
In 2017, 1.67 trillion Application-to-Peer (A2P) texts were delivered. The number went to around 1.7 trillion in 2018. That number suffices for enterprise or organization managers for utilizing A2P SMS platform in the wake of advanced technology and big data trends.
As would-be users, we recommend you be attentive on A2P SMS provider selection. With plenty of the SMS providers in the market, there are at least four things you may want to consider.
- Researching on A2P essentials
Before coming up with some potential A2P SMS providers, study some basic things about telecommunication at hand. Make sure you know the coverage area definition and how that matters a lot. Check whether or not your intended region is covered by that potential A2P SMS firm.
Another basic knowledge relates to types of coverage which falls into two large scopes; direct and indirect connection. Direct connection refers to a direct pathway between the A2P SMS provider’s gateway and the Mobile Network Operator or MNO. Whilst the indirect connection means the provider will be required to use another SMS provider to route their connections to an MNO.
Direct connection is more advisable to anticipate possible problems with indirect connection, such as longer delivery time and failed reportage to senders.
- Studying common problems on delivery rate
You’ll need to know usual errors that happen during SMS gateway deployment. The knowledge will benefit you by picking the SMS providers with good reputation and honest service track record. Among the problems are unsent delivery reports, invalid mobile phone numbers and use of grey routes.
- Asking for phone number portability handling
A2P SMS providers have different ways for handling phone number portability. Select one which applies Home Location Register (HLR) lookup which is widely regarded as one of the most efficient ways of solving number portability issues.
- Comparing the price
The last one is comparing the service price. With the aforementioned knowledge, you are ready to compare the service prices from the would-be providers. Don’t get trapped in “cheap campaign” but can’t deliver the best services. At the same time, don’t rely on high prices as the sure guarantor for the best services.
Get together with them for detailed services along with the prices. And you can consult with us first, PT Triple One Global, part of Monster Group, before deciding which of the services mostly fulfil your company’s needs.
Also read: Scale Up Your Business Service by Applying A2P SMS
