Last week in my SMS primer, I discussed the role of the SMS gateways that provide connectivity to the mobile infrastructure that makes SMS messaging possible. If you've developed a mobile application and need connectivity to the carriers, you'll need an SMS gateway.
There are a number companies offering SMS gateway services. These companies are also referred to as SMS aggregators. Some have direct connections to carriers and others don't. This can affect pricing.
Here are a number of the larger and well-known SMS gateway providers.
- mBlox (Global)
- Clickatell (Global)
- Verisign (Global)
- Air2Web (Global)
- Motricity (Global)
- Kapow (United Kingdom)
- OpenMarket (United States/North America)
- SinglePoint (United States/North America)
Several tips:
- Be sure to talk to a few providers. Rates will vary from provider to provider and you may find that one provider provides better rates to the carriers that you anticipate you'll be dealing with most.
- If you're planning to leverage Premium SMS billing, be sure to ask the providers about their payment terms. Some offer expedited payment programs that ensure you get paid sooner than you would otherwise if you had to wait for the carrier to settle up with the gateway.
- Many providers also offer pre-built applications, not just connectivity. If you're looking to run a simple SMS marketing campaign, for instance, you will almost certainly be able to leverage a managed service instead of having to build your own SMS marketing application and then acquire gateway service. This can save you a significant amount of money.
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Global Mobile Statistics
Econsultancy's Global Mobile Statistics document is one of 11 individual downloads that make up Econsultancy’s Global Internet Statistics Compendium, a comprehensive compilation of worldwide statistics and online market research with data, facts, charts and figures that are essential to understanding the marketplace as a whole.
Alternatively, see our UK Mobile Statistics or North America Mobile Statistics.
4:58PM on 24th March 2009
Hi, In your piece you touched on the fact that some suppliers provide pre-built apps (others solely provide connectivity). Likewise, Premium SMS billing rates can differ (along with payment terms).
I would like to think mobile marketing agency; Cymba have filled this often confusing gap with their online marketing division: www.smsshortcodes.co.uk
The MMS and SMS marketing gateways support developer friendly APIs:
At Cymba we also specialise in pre-built apps. These include:
- SMS Short Codes
- MMS
- WAP
- Bulk SMS
- Mobile Data
- Mobile Coupons
- Mobile Websites
- Mobile SMS Voting
- Mobile QR Barcodes
- Mobile Content Hosting
- Premium SMS Billing (no-adult)
- High and Lowest bid SMS Auctions
- Mobile to Web Integration - LBS MMS SMS APIs
- Text to Win Competitions and Brand Promotions
As for payment terms; Cymba payout monthly, following the preceding month’s activity.
- Transparent MIS and fast payments make for happy client!
Oh, we don’t support adult services…
I hope this addition helps? Any questions please do call our friendly team of experts on 0845 08 29622.
Best wishes, Steve
9:01PM on 19th November 2009
Very informative article. Thanks for sharing.
2:28AM on 1st January 2010
Great information. It was a good read.
12:55PM on 2nd March 2010
SMS gateway provider for Netherlands and Belgium.
The SMS gateway service provides companies and institutions with investment without routing SMS messages. From your own application or system through an Internet link established with the gateway of Picasse. Your organization is able to integrate SMS in total customer contact channels.
Examples of applications:
• Communication with employees
• Exploit of paid SMS services
• Send or receive information or alerts during emergencies or events
• Communicating with your relations
• Reaching new audiences
10:11PM on 8th May 2010
SMS aggregators and service providers are great if you are sending a few messages or have big pockets becuase they charge per message and that works out very expensive.
Using an in-house gateway like OutboxSMS from Felltech works out a lot cheaper because they connect directly to the mobile network missing out the middleman. You can send unlimited messages for as little as $15 per month flat rate.
Also, an in-house gateway is more resilient because if you lose your Internet connection, you can still send messages!
10:58AM on 9th June 2010
Nice One.