What’s an SMS broadcast?

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SMS broadcasting is sending text messages to multiple users through a designated service provider. It saves time and is used for mobile marketing, emergency alerts, and group updates. Recipients must consent to receive messages, and software is often used to track delivery. SMS broadcast is more efficient than manual group messaging and has been successful in emergency situations. However, not all mobile phones can receive short codes or incoming texts.

SMS broadcasting is the term used to describe the act of sending mobile text messages to multiple users via a designated short message service provider. This technology saves time, as mobile messages can be sent once, but received by multiple users instead of sending the message multiple times to inform each user. SMS broadcast messaging is often used for mobile marketing as well as emergency alerts and other important group updates.

SMS Broadcast Alerts are primarily sent using a system whereby individual recipients first consent and agree to receive occasional messages. A sender, after sending the mobile phone number through which each individual agrees to receive messages, can broadcast a message to all members of a network by simply entering the text to be delivered, selecting specific recipients or a group of recipients and sending an SMS broadcast to the entire group. Often, the software used to transmit messages can also inform the sender which messages have been received by the intended recipient and which mobile phone numbers have not received a message due to being out of service or due to other technical difficulties.

While an SMS broadcast can theoretically be sent using a standard mobile phone by simply selecting multiple recipients, individuals and businesses that consistently use this broadcast option for mobile marketing or other business needs typically purchase software designed specifically for SMS broadcast delivery. . Otherwise, manually sending group messages can be time-consuming and reports of usable mobile numbers are non-existent. In times of emergency in particular, it is imperative that information is transmitted in a timely and efficient manner and therefore, a manual attempt at group messaging is simply insufficient for this need.

The popularity and effectiveness of SMS broadcast alerts in times of emergency have caused some to put increased pressure on certain jurisdictions to use this technology as part of city emergency preparedness programs. In the past, the technology has also proven successful on college campuses, where alerts are easily sent to students and parents if an emergency occurs on campus. Because messages are sent and received in real time, information and emergency needs can be quickly disseminated and met. In some cases, however, an SMS broadcast alert may not be received by some mobile phone operators, as not all phones are equipped to access short codes or receive incoming text messages.




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