SMS stands for Short Message Service and is commonly referred to as a "text message". Most cell phones support this type of text messaging. SchoolMessenger uses a true SMS protocol developed by the telecommunications industry specifically for mass text messaging. This is different than sending individual text messages between two phones (mobile-to-mobile) or from email-to-text (SMTP). Referred to as “short code” texting, this method is highly reliable and fast because it is strictly regulated by the wireless carriers themselves and allows only approved providers direct connectivity to the wireless carrier networks. Short code texting does, however, require that certain standards are met by message senders.
Similar to a 10-digit phone number, “short codes” are five or six digit numeric identifiers that are used when sending text messages, which allow a wireless carrier to determine that the message is coming from an authorized sender. If you’ve ever texted a vote on a TV show to a number like 46999, you have used short code texting.
Unlike email, where unwanted spam is rampant, wireless carriers tightly control access to their SMS networks by only issuing short codes after a rigorous approval process. The Common Short Code Administration and Neustar are responsible for overseeing Common Short Codes on behalf of participating U.S. wireless carriers. To protect consumers, The Wireless Association and the Mobile Marketing Association have established guidelines for use.
The "short code" is the 5 digit phone number from which SMS messages are delivered and which a recipient can reply/send a message to access any of the system's SMS feature.
When creating your own SMS text message, it's important to remember that an SMS text message has a maximum allowed length of 160 characters. If you allow the system to automatically send an SMS message as part of your messaging options in the MessageSender, the system will send a link to your message. This link will not exceed 160 characters.
You can translate your SMS text Broadcast into the different languages your account has been mapped to. Usually, mappings align with the district language codes. For each student and/or record, there is usually a language assigned. For a complete list of available languages click here.
Note: The SMS translation feature
is only available when creating a New Broadcast from the Dashboard (Step
2 – Message Content -> + SMS). You will not be able to automatically
translate your SMS message into another language if creating one under
the Message Builder for future use.
1. Compose your message.
2. Check the small box below the composition window. Your translation options appear.
SMS Keywords allow recipients to perform certain actions in regard to their SMS message subscription. They can be used when replying to an SMS text message from the system or by sending the word to the system's short code. There are multiple words for performing certain actions.
· Opt-in: "Y", "YES", "OPTIN", "OPT IN", and "SUBSCRIBE" are all acceptable keywords for subscribing to SMS text messaging.
· Opt-out: "END", "CANCEL", "OPT OUT", "OPTOUT", "STOP", "QUIT", or "UNSUBSCRIBE" will cancel SMS messages to the recipient.
· Help: "HELP" is the only way to receive the Help message.
· Info: Any word not mentioned above will reply with the Info message.
There are a few messages which the system will automatically generate for you under specific circumstances.
· Opt-In: This is the message which is automatically generated when SMS data is included in your import.
Your school or district's name> alerts. Reply Y for aprx 5 msgs/mo. Txt HELP 4 info. Msg&data rates may apply. Visit schoolmessenger.com/tm
· New Subscriber: When a recipient replies Y to the opt-in message, the system replies with this message.
You are now registered to receive aprox 5 msgs/mo. Txt STOP to quit, HELP for help. Msg&data rates may apply. schoolmessenger.com/tm
· Response to HELP: If a recipient replies to a message with HELP, they will receive this message.
Text alerts by SchoolMessenger. Reply Y for aprox 5 msgs/mo. Text STOP to quit. Msg&data rates may apply. schoolmessenger.com/tm
Info: If a recipient types any word that is not a keyword, they will receive this message.
Unknown response. Reply Y for aprox 5 msgs/mo. Text STOP to quit. Msg&data rates may apply. schoolmessenger.com/tm
Unsubscribe: If a recipient opts out of receiving SMS text messages, they will receive this message.
You are now unsubscribed. Reply Y for aprox 5 msgs/mo. Text STOP to quit. Msg&data rates may apply. schoolmessenger.com/tm
Note:
By messaging the short code with one of the SMS keywords, a recipient
can subscribe to or unsubscribe from SMS text messages at any time.
Note:
The 5-digit "short code" number your SMS broadcast messages
is delivered through may vary. Please contact your system administrator
or SchoolMessenger support if you are unsure.
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