Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Find the answer to any question, from the basics all the way to advanced troubleshooting

Troubleshooting General Questions Send Bulk SMS TRAI Regulations SMS Attachments Receive SMS SMS API Integration Support Industry-Specific Prices and Purchasing

Troubleshooting

Common reasons for message failures include:

  • DLT template mismatch (content doesn't match registered template)
  • Sending to DND numbers via promotional route
  • Invalid or deactivated mobile numbers
  • Insufficient account balance
  • Sender ID not approved or expired
  • Message sent outside allowed hours for promotional and explicit SMS
  • Network issues on recipient's operator
  • Recipient's phone is switched off (messages expire after 24-48 hours)

Check delivery reports for specific error codes to identify and fix issues.

To improve delivery rates:

  • Verify all DLT templates match exactly with sent content
  • Clean contact list to remove invalid numbers
  • Ensure promotional or explicit messages go to non-DND numbers only
  • Send during optimal hours (10 AM - 8 PM)
  • Avoid spam trigger words in content
  • Use proper sender IDs that recipients recognize
  • Test with small batches before bulk sending
  • Regularly monitor delivery reports to identify patterns

Contact support if issues persist despite following best practices.

DLT template errors occur when the sent message doesn't match the registered template. To resolve:

  • Log into your DLT portal and verify approved template text
  • Ensure variable fields match exactly (including case sensitivity)
  • Check that promotional content isn't sent via transactional route
  • Confirm brand name appears in template if mandatory
  • Wait for template approval if recently submitted (takes 24-48 hours)
  • Update templates if your message format has changed

Always test new templates with small batches before bulk campaigns.

If your SMS template is approved under the Service Explicit or Promotional category on DLT, messages can only be delivered between 10:00 AM and 9:00 PM, and only to non-DND numbers.

Please verify your template category on the DLT portal and send messages within the permitted time window.

If your SMS template is approved under Service Explicit or Promotional category, delivery to DND numbers is not allowed.

For informational or OTP messages, please get your template approved under the Service Implicit category on DLT.

Service Implicit messages can be delivered to both DND and non-DND numbers, 24×7.

Message delivery may be delayed due to network fluctuations, poor mobile connectivity, active calls, dual-SIM usage, or if the recipient’s device is connected to unstable Wi-Fi networks.

Such delays are generally temporary and depend on the recipient’s network conditions.

If your mobile number is registered under DND and you are trying to send Service Explicit or Promotional messages, delivery will not be possible.

Please try testing with a Service Implicit category template, as Service Implicit messages are delivered to both DND and non-DND numbers.

When you try to send SMS using the SMSGATEWAYHUB API and receive the error message “Error code 7: Invalid login”, it means that one or more of your login parameters are incorrect.

Error code 7 is generated when there is an issue with your login credentials. The login parameters include username and password or apikey. Please check the following:

  • Incorrect URL: Make sure you are calling https://www.smsgatewayhub.com/
  • Incorrect username: Verify that you have entered your registered SMSGATEWAYHUB login ID correctly in the username field
  • Incorrect API key: Check your API key in the panel under API Documents → API Codes → My API Key. The API key entered in the apikey parameter must match one of the active API keys in your account

If the error still persists after verifying the above details, please contact support@smsgatewayhub.com for further assistance.

If you have converted your account to Transactional and receive the error “Error Code 006: Invalid Template”, it means the SMS content you are trying to send does not match any of your approved templates.

Transactional SMS can be sent only using pre-approved templates. Please ensure that your message format exactly matches one of the templates approved in your account.

To add a new template:

  • Login to your SMSGATEWAYHUB account
  • Go to Text SMS → Templates → My Templates
  • Click on Add New Template and submit it for approval
  • Once approved, use the same template format while sending SMS via API

If the error still persists after using an approved template, please contact our support team at support@smsgatewayhub.com.

If you see the error “Nothing has been imported. Either there is no new data to import, or you have selected the wrong column headings” while uploading an Excel file, it usually means there is an issue with the file format or column mapping.

Please check the following before re-uploading your file:

  • Ensure there are no spaces or special characters in the mobile numbers column. Clean the data and try again.
  • If your Excel file contains additional merge fields (custom parameters), verify that the column containing mobile numbers is correctly mapped to the “number” field.
  • If your Excel file includes column headings, make sure to uncheck the “Header Name” option in the SMSGATEWAYHUB Messenger before clicking the Import button.

After correcting the above points, upload the file again. If the issue still persists, please contact our support team at support@smsgatewayhub.com.

General Questions

Bulk SMS is a service that allows businesses to send messages to many people at the same time using a single platform.

It is commonly used for sending offers, notifications, alerts, reminders, and OTPs. Messages are delivered through telecom operator networks within seconds.

Promotional SMS

  • Used for offers, marketing, and advertisements
  • Can be sent only to non-DND numbers
  • Delivery timing: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
  • Uses Numeric Sender ID (e.g., AX-678298)

Service Explicit SMS

  • A type of promotional SMS
  • Can be sent using alphabetic Sender IDs
  • Delivery is not allowed on DND numbers
  • Delivery timing: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Service Implicit SMS

  • Used for informational messages like OTPs, alerts, and order updates
  • Can be delivered to both DND and non-DND numbers
  • Requires prior user consent
  • 24×7 delivery allowed

Transactional Template Category

Transactional SMS is mainly reserved for banks and financial institutions. It is used for sensitive communications such as banking alerts and critical account information. Most businesses do not require transactional category SMS unless approved under regulated categories on DLT.

Choosing the correct DLT template category is important to ensure smooth delivery of your SMS messages.

  • For offers, promotions, and marketing content → take approval under Service Explicit
  • For OTP, alerts, and informational messages → take approval under Service Implicit

Always ensure that the approved DLT template content matches exactly with the message content while sending SMS to avoid delivery failures.

Complete your DLT registration

Get your Sender IDs and templates approved on DLT

Log in to the SMSGatewayHub portal

Map approved headers and templates under Resources

Go to Send SMS

Upload your contacts

Select your approved template and send

DLT (Distributed Ledger Technology) is a government mandated platform introduced by TRAI to regulate SMS communication and prevent spam.

DLT registration is mandatory for all businesses sending SMS in India.

Without DLT approval, messages will be blocked by telecom operators.

The DLT process involves the following steps:

Business registration on a telecom DLT portal

Sender ID (Header) creation and approval

Message template creation and approval as per TRAI guidelines

Uploading and mapping approved Sender IDs and templates in the SMSGatewayHub portal

Once these steps are completed, you can start using sms service.

DLT registration charges and Validity vary depending on the operator (Smartping, Vilpower, Bsnl, Airtel, Jio, etc.)

Generally all DLT operators charge 5000 + GST = 5900 INR that is payable directly on the respective DLT portal.

SMSGatewayHub does not charge any additional fee for DLT registration unless any separate DLT assistance or DLT priority support services are requested by the client.

SMS may get rejected due to:

Unapproved or inactive Sender ID

Template mismatch with DLT-approved content

Incorrect variable usage

Sending messages outside allowed time slots

DLT mapping not completed in the SMS portal

A Sender ID (also called Header) is a 6-character alphabet name that appears as the sender of the SMS.

It must be approved on the DLT portal and mapped in SMSGatewayHub before usage

Yes, you can send both promotional and transactional SMS from the same account, provided:

Separate headers and templates are approved on DLT

Correct message route is selected while sending SMS

SMS messages are generally delivered within a few seconds via direct operator routes.

We have multiple high priority routes with a fallback system.

However, delivery time may vary due to network congestion, DLT validation, or operator level checks.

Yes, SMSGatewayHub provides HTTPs & API-based SMS integration for seamless message delivery from applications, CRMs, or websites.

A standard SMS is limited to 160 characters. If your message exceeds this limit, it is automatically split into multiple SMS parts and charged accordingly.

Certain special characters such as ~, ^, {, }, [, ], | consume two characters instead of one, which may reduce the total character limit.

Messenger allows sending long messages of up to 1000 characters. These messages are split into smaller SMS parts and reassembled on the recipient’s mobile device. In such cases, each SMS part is calculated at 153 characters, as 7 characters are used for message concatenation.

An SMS Gateway is a service that allows computers, applications, or websites to send and receive SMS messages without using a mobile phone.

It acts as a bridge between software systems and mobile networks, enabling messages to be delivered to users’ phones using the same telecom networks used for regular SMS.

There are no long-term contracts or commitments required to use the Messenger platform. It operates on a pay-as-you-go basis, allowing you to send SMS without any fixed obligations.

You can purchase SMS credits and use them as needed, making it flexible and hassle-free for businesses of all sizes.

However, if you choose to use any inbound messaging services, they may have a minimum term of one month, which is renewable.

SMSGATEWAYHUB services can be used by any Indian business, society, or community group to communicate with customers, staff, members, or contacts via SMS.

With multiple service levels available, SMSGATEWAYHUB is suitable for organisations of all sizes—from small businesses to large enterprises.

Setting up your SMSGATEWAYHUB account is quick and simple. In most cases, your SMS campaigns can be up and running within minutes.

Once registration and basic verification are completed, you can start sending SMS immediately using the control panel or API.

No, you do not need a mobile phone to use the Messenger platform. All messages are sent and received directly through the web-based Messenger panel.

You don’t need to download any software. All you need is an internet-enabled PC, Mac, or tablet.

The SMSGATEWAYHUB website is mobile-friendly, and you can also use the Android app to manage your messaging on the go.

Yes, you can easily purchase SMS credits online through your SMSGATEWAYHUB account.

Follow the steps below to buy credits:

  • Log in to your account
  • Click on the Buy Now option available in the top header
  • Select your preferred SMS package and complete the online payment
  • Once payment is successful, credits will be added instantly to your account

If you face any issues during the purchase, please contact us at support@smsgatewayhub.com.

No, your SMS credits will never expire.

You can use your purchased credits at your convenience without worrying about validity or expiration dates.

You can send messages of up to 1000 characters using the Messenger platform.

This refers to standard Latin (ASCII) characters. Special or Unicode characters may reduce the number of characters per SMS part.

While composing your message, Messenger displays the number of characters used and the number of SMS credits it will consume, so you can adjust your message accordingly.

A standard SMS is limited to 160 characters using Latin (ASCII) symbols. Unicode or special characters may affect the number of characters per SMS part.

Credit calculation works as follows:

  • Up to 160 characters = 1 SMS credit
  • For messages exceeding 160 characters, each SMS part uses 153 characters (7 characters used for concatenation)
  • Example: 161–306 characters = 2 credits, 307–459 characters = 3 credits, and so on
  • Maximum message length = 1000 characters (automatically split into multiple SMS parts)

Messenger clearly shows character count and credits consumed while composing long messages.

Once you upload all the required documents in the proper format, the SMSGATEWAYHUB support team will typically convert your account to Transactional within 12 business hours.

After the account is converted, you will receive a notification via email from our support team.

No, hard copies are not required. Your account will be converted to Transactional on receiving the soft copies via email at support@smsgatewayhub.com in PDF or JPG format.

Contact for assistance:
Call: +91-9907922122
Email: support@smsgatewayhub.com

Yes, you can run promotional campaigns from the same account. You do not need to create a separate account.

Transactional credits cannot be transferred to promotional credits, as each type has unlimited validity. You can simply purchase promotional credits within your existing account and start your campaigns.

For more details, refer to our Promotional SMS guide.

Yes, SMSGATEWAYHUB supports Unicode SMS, which allows you to send messages in Indian regional languages.

Using our transliteration tool, you can easily draft messages in local languages. SMSGATEWAYHUB supports most popular Indian languages including:

Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Oriya, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Santali, Sindhi, Tamil, and Telugu.

GSM and Unicode differ mainly in the character set and message length they support.

A standard GSM message supports up to 160 characters, while a Unicode message supports up to 70 characters.

Long messages are supported in both formats:

  • GSM messages are split into parts of 153 characters
  • Unicode messages are split into parts of 67 characters

In terms of pricing, both follow the same credit system: 1 credit per message part.

You can send up to 1000 characters in GSM format and up to 500 characters in Unicode format.

Your message may consume more than one SMS credit due to the following reasons:

  • The message exceeds 160 characters in GSM format
  • The message exceeds 70 characters in Unicode format
  • Merge fields or dynamic data increase the total character count

In such cases, the message is automatically split into multiple parts, and each part consumes one SMS credit.

SMSGATEWAYHUB provides real-time delivery reports for all sent messages. You can check the delivery status from the Reports section in Messenger.

Reports are categorized based on the channel used to send messages, such as Group SMS, Single SMS, API, and Email to SMS.

Delivery status meanings:

Status Description
Delivered Message has been successfully delivered to the recipient.
Expired Mobile switched off, out of coverage area, or unavailable during retry period.
Undelivered Absent subscriber, handset busy, memory full, or network error.
Sent Message submitted to server and awaiting final delivery confirmation.
Rejected Invalid number, blocked sender ID, or spam content as per TRAI norms.
NDNC Number is registered under DND (applicable for promotional route).
Blacklisted Number is blocked and restricted from receiving messages.

No, SMSGATEWAYHUB does not provide mobile number data.

However, we offer Short Codes and Long Codes which are highly effective for collecting opt-in numbers from your customers.

These can be used alongside your SMS marketing campaigns to build your own compliant and permission-based contact database.

Your data is completely safe with SMSGATEWAYHUB.

We do not share, sell, or pass on any customer data, including mobile numbers uploaded to your account. Your data is used strictly for your SMS activities.

SMSGATEWAYHUB uses 128-bit encryption, offering security standards equivalent to online banking systems.

For more details, please refer to our Service Level Agreement (SLA).

Yes, you can easily import mobile numbers into your Messenger account.

You can upload contacts using an Excel or CSV file and include up to five additional custom fields along with mobile numbers.

For smaller contact lists, you can also add numbers manually or by copying and pasting them directly into Messenger.

Yes, SMSGATEWAYHUB allows you to personalize your SMS by merging custom data into your messages.

You can create custom fields for each contact and either enter them manually or upload them along with mobile numbers using an Excel file.

While composing your message, simply click on Insert merge fields and select the required custom field wherever personalization is needed.

Messenger will automatically send personalized messages to each contact using the corresponding custom field values.

An API key is an encrypted and secure identifier linked to your SMSGATEWAYHUB account. It is unique for every user and is required to authenticate requests when integrating your application with our API.

To access your API key, log in to your SMSGATEWAYHUB panel and navigate to:

API Documents → API Codes

Make sure you use the correct API key while making API requests to avoid authentication errors.

DLT compliance is mandatory only for messages originating in India and passing through Indian telecom networks.

If you want to send messages to international numbers, you can do so after completing DLT registration, but please note:

  • 🌍 The SMS must pass through your Indian operator’s international gateway.
  • 💰 Charges are higher for international SMS compared to domestic SMS.
  • 📡 Delivery depends on agreements between Indian operators and foreign carriers.
  • ⚙️ Some platforms allow direct international messaging via APIs. However, if the message traffic originates in India, DLT registration is still required.

In such cases, the cost to the sender will be charged as per their standard mobile network rates.

Yes, subscribers registered on any mobile network, whether Indian or international, can send messages to a DIN / long code.

This is because a long code uses a standard mobile number format along with the country code.

In contrast, short codes are country-specific and can only receive messages from mobile numbers registered within the same country.

In such cases, the end customer is charged according to their individual mobile network SMS plan.

This happens because Excel automatically treats mobile numbers as very large numerical values and converts them into scientific notation.

To fix this issue, select the column containing the numbers, then go to:

Format Cells → Number → Set decimal places to 0

This will display the mobile numbers correctly without scientific formatting.

Yes. If you have a transactional account, you can request a custom Sender ID of your choice at no extra cost. The Sender ID must be 6 characters long and contain only Latin alphabets. Sender IDs help improve brand recognition and ensure professional communication.

Promotional messages, however, are sent using a 6-character numeric Sender ID that is randomly generated and assigned by telecom operators.

You can learn more about the differences between promotional and transactional SMS on our website.

Customers cannot directly reply to Promotional or Transactional SMS because these messages are sent using a Sender ID.

Yes, you can easily schedule your messages to be delivered at a later date and time. You may choose specific start times and dates, and even set an end date to stop messages from being sent after a certain point.

Staggered messaging is also supported, allowing you to manage responses efficiently instead of receiving all replies at once.

If you need to modify the scheduled time or date, this can be done anytime through the Reports section in Messenger.

SMS is a powerful and universal communication tool. Whether used for sales promotions, customer engagement, or transactional alerts, SMS marketing can be effectively applied across all business sectors.

Send Bulk SMS

From retail and healthcare to education, finance, travel, and e-commerce, SMS adapts seamlessly to various industries. Please refer to our case studies to learn how different businesses benefit from mobile marketing.

Getting Started with Bulk SMS

Bulk SMS is a service that allows businesses to send a large number of text messages to multiple recipients simultaneously. The process involves uploading contact lists to an SMS platform, creating and approving Sender IDs and message templates on the DLT portal, updating them on the SMS platform, and sending messages through telecom operator networks via web portal or API. Messages are delivered within seconds via direct operator connections, making Bulk SMS an effective solution for marketing campaigns, alerts, reminders, and transactional notifications.

We offers affordable bulk SMS solutions starting at ₹0.23 to ₹0.11 per SMS domestically, with international rates beginning at 0.11 EURO per SMS. Their pricing model rewards higher volumes, making them suitable for startups, SMEs, and large enterprises alike.

Yes, DLT registration is mandatory for all businesses sending bulk SMS in India as per TRAI regulations. Without DLT registration, your messages will be blocked by telecom operators. The registration involves three steps: registering your business entity, getting sender IDs approved, and submitting message templates for approval. The process typically takes 2-5 working days and costs approximately Rs 5,000 + GST annually.

Yes, most bulk SMS providers including SMS Gateway Hub offer free trial accounts with demo credits. Trial accounts allow you to test the platform interface, send sample messages to verify delivery speed and quality, check API integration capabilities, and review reporting features. This helps you evaluate service reliability before committing to a paid plan.

SMS Types and Classification

Service Explicit is used for marketing purposes like offers, discounts, and product announcements. These messages can only be sent between 10 AM to 9 PM and cannot reach DND numbers. They use 6-digit alphabet sender IDs.

Service Implicit SMS delivers critical information like OTPs, order confirmations, and account alerts. These can be sent 24x7 to all numbers including DND, use 6 alphabet characters sender IDs, and have higher priority routing for faster delivery.

You can send Service Implicit SMS to DND (Do Not Disturb) numbers 24x7, but promotional SMS cannot be sent to DND numbers under any circumstances. DND is a service where users register their numbers to block promotional messages. However, Service Implicit (transactional) messages containing critical information like OTPs, booking confirmations, and account alerts are exempt from DND restrictions as they serve essential communication purposes.

OTP (One Time Password) SMS is a security feature that sends unique verification codes to users for authentication purposes. These time-sensitive codes verify user identity during login, payment transactions, account recovery, or registration processes. OTP SMS falls under the transactional category, ensuring 24x7 delivery with high-priority routing. Delivery speed is crucial — most OTP messages must reach within 3-5 seconds to prevent user frustration and transaction abandonment.

Yes, you can send SMS in Hindi and other regional languages using Unicode SMS. Unicode messages support all Indian languages including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, and others, along with special characters and emojis. However, Unicode messages consume more characters — a standard SMS allows 160 characters for English, while Unicode SMS is limited to 70 characters per message. Messages exceeding this limit are split into multiple parts, affecting your cost per message.

DLT Compliance and Registration

To complete DLT registration, follow these steps: First, choose a telecom operator portal (Vilpower, Smartping, Jio, Airtel, Vodafone, or BSNL). Register your business entity with KYC documents including PAN, GST, and company registration. Once approved, register your sender IDs (headers) - different for promotional, service explicit and Service implicit routes. Finally, submit all message templates you plan to use for approval. The entire process takes 2-5 working days, and you'll receive unique IDs for entity, header, and each template.

A sender ID (also called header) is the name or number that appears as the sender when recipients receive your SMS. For transactional messages, you get a 6-character alphabet ID (like VM-HDFCBK or AX-IPAYTM) that represents your brand. For pure promotional messages, you receive a 6-digit numeric ID assigned by operators. Sender IDs must be registered and approved on the DLT platform before use. Approval typically takes 1 day and requires business documentation proving brand ownership.

Required documents for DLT registration include:

A) Company Pan Card
B) Company GST or Incorporation Certificate or MSME or any other govt document where company name, address and authorized person name are mentioned like GST
C) If you don't have all three details in one document you can upload two documents for company address and authorized person verification.

DLT template rejections commonly occur due to: content not matching the template category (service explicit content in service implicit category templates), missing brand name in the template, using restricted keywords without proper justification, incorrect variable formatting, or template text not matching business type. To avoid rejection, ensure templates exactly match your intended message, include complete brand name, avoid misleading content, and use proper variable tags as per DLT guidelines.

Send Bulk SMS

Bulk SMS messaging allows businesses to deliver text messages to thousands of customers at once using a secure, cloud-based platform. Instead of sending messages individually, campaigns are created in minutes by uploading contact lists or selecting saved groups. Messages are routed through reliable telecom networks to ensure fast delivery, high open rates, and real-time delivery reports.

Sending bulk SMS for your business is simple and efficient. Start by uploading your customer database or capturing leads through forms and integrations. After obtaining customer consent, you can create message templates, schedule campaigns, personalize messages with dynamic fields, and track performance directly from the SMSGatewayHub dashboard.

Simple! Sign up for an account for your business with SMSGATEWAYHUB and either directly buy message bundles from your account or request an invoice directly from us.

Yes, the more messages you buy, the cheaper it gets. To see a list of our bulk SMS prices, please click here.

Using our award winning Platform sending messages is a breeze, however if you would like help managing or sending your bulk SMS campaigns, then please consider using our Agency Services or contact our friendly support team for help.

Yes, our SMS gateway can be used reliably from any email software, server or CRM application. Access to the gateway is free and allows the user to send an SMS to an unlimited number of recipients. Simply sign up for a free account, enable SMS to your account and send the messages as emails to support@smsgatewayhub.com. Full information can be found here.

You can sign up for a free trial in just 30 seconds, with no credit card required. Simply enter your email address to get started and get 20 free texts. Our platform is free to sign up and if you decide you like us after the free trial, you just pay for the texts you send.

TRAI Regulations

DND is a national 'Do Not Disturb' registry put into effect by TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) to effectively regulate unsolicited commercial calls and messages. Telecom subscribers who do not wish to receive any promotional messages or calls can register to DND. The registration becomes effective within 7 days of placing the request with the service provider.

Note: Transactional messages can be sent even if the subscriber is registered to DND. These messages are solicited by the end user and do not contain any promotion, advertising or marketing information.

Customers who wish to send transactional messages can request a Transactional account by writing to support@smsgatewayhub.com or calling +91-9907922122. As part of the process, required documents such as an Undertaking of Indemnity and Letter of Consent must be submitted. Sender IDs and message templates also need approval.

Yes. If subscribers have opted in to receive messages from the same partially blocked category as your business, promotional messages will be delivered to them as per TRAI regulations.

SMS Attachments

An attachment is an additional file you can send as a link in a text message.

Within the Messenger interface, select the file that you wish to attach in the same way that you would when composing an email. Messenger will convert the file into an easily accessible link within the body of the text message. The file will be hosted securely on our servers. If the document that you wish to attach is smaller than 2 MB in file size, you're good to go. So attaching a file to an SMS message is not only easy, but requires zero IT infrastructure on your end.

When on the 'Send SMS' screen, click to include attachment and we will host it online for you and add the short link in your text message.

There is no extra cost to include in attachment to your text message.

2 MB

The end user incurs no cost to access files hosted on SMSGATEWAYHUB, apart from the usual data charges paid towards the telecom operators.

We support over 35 popular file formats including - AVI, BMP, CSV, DOC, DOCX, DOTX, GIF, JPG, MIDI, MPEG, MOV, MP3, MP4, OGG, PDF, PNG, POTX, PPSX, PPT, PPTX, QT, RA, RAM, TRF, SLDX, SVG, SWF, TIFF, TSV, TXT, VCF, WAV, XLAM, XLS, XLSB, XLSX & XLTX.

Yes, you can track the short link which is sent as an attachment. All the results are tracked and updated real time including mobile number, date/time, mobile device, mobile browser and custom fields.

Receive SMS

Yes you can. You can use your free inbox to receive replies, or setup a new inbox by purchasing a reply number of your choice. A reply number may be a short code (6–9 digit extensions on 56161) or a 10 digit virtual mobile number (VMN / DIN). You may setup multiple keyword–inboxes with dedicated reply numbers, whereas a shared reply number allows one inbox per keyword.

Using an inbound text number or short code, you can receive text messages from your customers at no extra cost. Messages appear in your Messenger inbox and can also be forwarded to email automatically.

Short codes only work within the same country. SMSGatewayHub short code 56161 works only in India and supports personalised keywords.

All received messages appear in your SMSGATEWAYHUB inbox, similar to an email inbox.

It costs you nothing to receive replies. The sender is charged their standard network rate.

A keyword routes messages received on shared numbers to the correct inbox. The message must begin with the keyword so the system can identify the destination inbox.

A short code is a shortened phone number used in mobile marketing that allows customers to respond easily. SMSGatewayHub owns short code 56161 and all its extensions in India, enabling automated opt-ins and message routing.

No. Dedicated Inbound Numbers are exclusive to you, so no keyword is required, although optional keywords can still be created for campaigns.

Yes. Inbound messages can be automatically forwarded to up to 20 email addresses for each inbox at no extra cost.

Yes. Inbound messages can be forwarded automatically to your handset. This costs 1 SMS credit per forwarded message.

SMS API Integration

An API allows the automatic sending of text messages, such as car insurance renewal reminders. SMSGATEWAYHUB provides its API free of cost, which can be integrated with your system to send real-time SMS to customers. Messages can be triggered based on events, schedules, or user actions.

It only takes around 10 minutes to get started. You can visit our Developers page to access detailed documentation and ready-to-use code examples.

The SMS API is completely FREE to use. You only pay for the SMS credits consumed when messages are sent.

API stands for Application Programming Interface. In text marketing, an API acts as a bridge between your software and the mobile network, translating your application data into SMS messages and enabling seamless two-way communication.

Support and Account Management

We offer comprehensive support including:

  • 24x7 technical email support
  • Call support b/w 10 AM - 7 PM via support tickets
  • Live chat support
  • Dedicated account manager for enterprise clients
  • API integration assistance with code samples
  • DLT registration guidance and troubleshooting
  • Dashboard training for new users
  • Bulk upload assistance for large contact lists
  • Priority support for urgent campaigns

Our typical response time is under 30 minutes during business hours and under 2 hours for 24x7 support tickets.

Plan changes are simple and instant. Log into your dashboard, navigate to the billing section, select a new plan or add credits, make payment, and your account updates immediately with no service interruption. When upgrading, unused credits from the previous plan transfer to the new plan. Enterprise clients with custom requirements can contact our sales team for tailored solutions based on volume and features needed.

Yes, we support multi-user access with role-based permissions. Track all activities through audit logs for accountability and security purposes.

Industry-Specific Questions

Bulk SMS proves valuable across industries: E-commerce and retail use it for order updates, offers, and abandoned cart recovery. Banking and fintech rely on it for OTP, transaction alerts, and payment reminders. Healthcare sends appointment reminders and health tips. Education shares exam schedules, fee reminders, and results. Real estate uses it for property alerts and site visit confirmations. Travel and hospitality send booking confirmations and itinerary updates. Logistics provides delivery tracking and ETA notifications.

E-commerce businesses leverage SMS for multiple use cases: Send order confirmation and tracking updates (transactional), abandoned cart recovery reminders with incentives, flash sale and limited-time offer alerts, back-in-stock notifications for waitlisted products, delivery date confirmations and delays, COD payment reminders, customer review requests post-delivery, and loyalty program updates. Combining transactional reliability with promotional engagement drives both conversions and customer satisfaction.

Pricing & Plans

Reputable providers like SMS Gateway Hub operate with transparent pricing. The main costs include: per-SMS charges based on route type and quantity. There should be no hidden charges for delivery reports, dashboard access, or basic support. Always verify the pricing structure before purchasing - check for setup fees, platform fees, or mandatory minimum recharges that some providers impose.

We accept multiple payment methods including online payment (credit/debit cards, UPI, net banking), bank transfer/NEFT/RTGS, digital wallets (Paytm, PhonePe, Google Pay), and for enterprise clients, invoice-based payments with credit terms. Advance recharge is required for pay-as-you-go plans, while monthly plans can be paid via invoice. All transactions are secure and generate instant invoices with GST details for your accounting records.

Yes. Messenger itself is free to use. You only need to purchase bulk SMS bundles to send messages. Platform maintenance, onboarding, and basic training are provided at no additional cost.

All listed prices are exclusive of tax. An additional 18% GST is applicable on every purchase as per government regulations.

You can purchase SMS credit bundles of up to 1 million credits instantly online using a credit or debit card. For bulk purchases of 25,000 credits or more, we can raise an invoice payable via bank transfer, cheque, or DD. Credits are added once payment is received.

Dedicated inbound numbers and short codes can be purchased directly from the Inbox section in Messenger. Simply click on “Create a new inbox” and follow the on-screen steps.

No contracts required. You pay only for the SMS credits you need and for inbound numbers or inboxes for as long as you choose to use them.

Delivery and Reports

Delivery speed depends on message type. Service Implicit SMS with high-priority routing delivers within 3-5 seconds, making them ideal for OTPs and urgent alerts. Promotional or Service Explicit SMS typically delivers within 10-30 seconds depending on operator load. Bulk campaigns to large lists (50,000+ numbers) process at rates of 500-1000 messages per second. Network congestion during peak hours (festival seasons, major events) may cause slight delays, but our direct operator connections ensure fastest possible delivery.

Our platform provides real-time delivery reports with multiple status indicators: Sent (message sent to operator), Delivered (successfully reached recipient), Undelivered (delivery unsuccessful with reason code), Pending (in operator queue), Expired (not delivered within validity period), and Rejected (blocked due to DLT/DND issues). You can view reports through a web dashboard, download detailed CSV reports with timestamps, or receive instant delivery receipts via API callback to your system.

DLR (Delivery Receipt) is a confirmation from the mobile operator indicating whether your message reached the recipient's phone. After sending a message, you receive two types of acknowledgments: Carrier Ack (message accepted by operator) i.e message id and Handset DLR (message delivered to phone). DLR includes delivery status, timestamp, failure reason codes if applicable, and operator response. Access DLRs through dashboard reports, API response, or webhook callbacks for real-time updates in your application.

Yes, message scheduling allows you to plan campaigns in advance. You can schedule SMS for specific date and time, set up recurring campaigns (daily, weekly, monthly), schedule different messages for different time zones. This is useful for birthday wishes, appointment reminders, festival greetings, or promotional campaigns that need to go out during high-engagement hours without manual intervention.

Advanced Features

Yes, personalization is possible using variable fields in your message templates. Upload contact lists with columns for name, order number, amount, or any custom field. Use variables like {#var#} in your template. The system automatically replaces variables with actual values for each recipient. For example: "Dear {name}, your order {order_id} worth Rs.{amount} is confirmed" becomes unique for each customer, significantly improving engagement rates compared to generic messages.

Our platform offers comprehensive contact management features. You can create unlimited groups for different customer segments, import contacts via CSV/Excel upload, remove duplicates automatically, and export lists for external use.

Unicode SMS enables sending messages in non-English languages (Hindi, Tamil, Bengali, etc.), special characters, and emojis. Use Unicode when targeting regional language speakers or when your message requires special symbols. Important considerations: Unicode messages are limited to 70 characters (vs 160 for standard English SMS), costs are same per message part, messages longer than 70 characters split into multiple parts for credits count but delivered as single sms to end user and all major operators support Unicode delivery across India.

While our primary service focuses on SMS, we support rich media messaging through URL links within SMS. Send short URLs pointing to images, videos, or landing pages. For true multimedia campaigns, we offer RCS (Rich Communication Services) which supports images, videos, carousels, suggested replies, and interactive buttons directly within messages. RCS provides WhatsApp-like experience but works through native messaging app without requiring additional downloads.

Compliance and Security

Yes, our platform is fully compliant with all TRAI regulations including mandatory DLT registration integration, automatic DND checking before sending promotional SMS, time restrictions enforcement (10 AM - 9 PM for promotional and service explicit), template matching verification, and proper sender ID authentication. We update our systems whenever TRAI introduces new guidelines, ensuring your campaigns never face compliance issues or penalties.

We implement enterprise-grade security measures including data encryption in transit and at rest, secure API authentication with key rotation, regular security audits and penetration testing, GDPR-compliant data handling, role-based access control for team members, and automatic logout for idle sessions. Your contact lists, message content, and business information are stored on secure servers with multiple backup layers, ensuring complete data protection and privacy.

Unfortunately, SMS messages cannot be recalled once delivered, as they transfer instantly to recipient phones. To prevent errors, we recommend: using message preview before sending, testing with small batches first, enabling approval workflows for team campaigns, and saving frequently used templates to avoid typing mistakes. For critical errors, immediately send a follow-up correction message explaining the mistake. Always double-check content, numbers, and scheduling before finalizing bulk campaigns.

Technical Integration

SMS Gateway Hub API supports all major programming languages including PHP, Python, Java, C#/.NET, Node.js, Ruby, Go, and more. We provide ready-to-use code samples and SDKs for each language. The API follows standard REST protocol with JSON response format, making it compatible with any programming environment that supports HTTP requests. For complex requirements, SMPP protocol integration is also available for high-volume senders.

API integration typically takes 2-4 hours for basic implementation and 1-2 days for complete production setup. The timeline includes: reading documentation (30 minutes), coding basic integration (2-3 hours), testing in a sandbox environment (1-2 hours), DLT registration if not done (2-5 days parallel process), and production deployment with error handling (2-4 hours). Having DLT registration completed beforehand significantly reduces overall implementation time.

HTTP API is simpler, uses standard web protocols, ideal for sending up to 10,000 messages per hour, requires no special software, and provides quick integration. SMPP (Short Message Peer-to-Peer) is a telecom protocol designed for high-volume sending (100,000+ per hour), provides lower latency, requires persistent connection, offers better delivery receipts, but needs more technical expertise. Most businesses use HTTP API, while large enterprises and telecom operators prefer SMPP.