Text Messages and Notifications: Compliance and Emergency Alerts

Our mission at Simplified Alerts is to allow secure, easy and fast sending / receiving of important text messages and alerts for your organization.

In doing so, we are careful to remain in compliance with the law that governs text messaging (the Telephone Communication Protection Act – TCPA) as well as MMA (Mobile Marketing Association) and CTIA (CTIA – The Wireless Association) that set the standards for sending text messages.

We know that many organizations like yours require an emergency alerts system that allows for instant, uninterrupted sending of text, voice and email.

Remember, if you are sending Text Notifications you must request a text message send waiver from us to send 24/7.  It’s a simple process, designed to protect you and all our customers from unauthorized use. 

Text Messaging Compliance

Simplified Alerts offers our customers two paths for sending, through Toll-Free Numbers or sends from our ‘Virtual Dedicated Shortcode’ 64800.

Why SMS is the Premium Mode of Communication for Critical Messaging
When it comes to critical messaging, SMS stands out as the top choice for several compelling reasons:

Instant Delivery:
SMS ensures your message is delivered in real-time. Unlike email or app-based notifications that may be delayed due to server issues or push notification settings, SMS messages are transmitted immediately, providing an unparalleled level of urgency.

Broad Accessibility:
SMS does not require an internet connection. Whether the recipient is in a remote area with limited access or simply has data turned off, your message will still reach them. This accessibility extends to all types of handsets—from the latest smartphones to older models—ensuring inclusivity.

High Engagement:
Text messages boast an astonishing open rate. Studies show that 98% of SMS messages are read within a few minutes of receipt. This is significantly higher than email open rates, which can linger around 20-30%. For urgent communication, this immediacy in engagement is crucial.

Reliability Across Platforms:
Unlike messaging apps which require both sender and receiver to be on the same platform, SMS operates universally across all mobile networks and device types. This eliminates compatibility issues and ensures that your critical alert is seen.

Minimal Latency:
SMS networks are designed to handle high volumes of traffic efficiently, even during emergencies when communication channels are typically congested. This means your critical alert will sidestep potential bottlenecks and reach its intended destination without significant delays.

Confirmation of Delivery:
Many SMS services offer delivery reports, providing confirmation that your message reached its recipient. This extra layer of assurance is particularly valuable in critical situations where knowing the status of your communication can guide immediate actions.

In essence, SMS combines rapid delivery, broad reach, high engagement, and robust reliability, making it the superior choice for critical messaging.

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To remain within compliance, messages sent through a Toll-Free Number are subject to review at any time by our audit team.  This can delay your messages.  We pull messages at random to review content for inappropriate subject matter that could impact the use of the shortcode by everyone.

On the other hand, our 64800 shortcode has fewer customers, each approved for sending by our audit and compliance team.  It allows us to remove the standard review process and not impede the sending of messages (by a random check).

Benefits of Automated SMS Communication for Large Groups

Automated SMS communication offers a multitude of benefits when reaching large groups of people. Here’s a rundown of the key advantages:

Instant Delivery

Messages sent via SMS are delivered almost instantly, ensuring critical information reaches recipients without delay. Unlike emails, which can sit unread in inboxes, SMS alerts are typically seen and acknowledged right away.

No Internet Required

One of the standout benefits is that SMS does not require an internet connection. Whether recipients are in remote areas or experiencing network issues, they can still receive vital messages on their mobile devices.

Compatibility Across Devices

SMS works seamlessly across a wide range of devices—from basic mobile phones to the latest smartphones. This universal compatibility ensures that no one is left out, regardless of their device’s sophistication.

High Open Rates

Text messages boast exceptionally high open rates compared to emails. Studies indicate that nearly 98% of SMS messages are opened, making it a highly effective channel for urgent and time-sensitive communications.

Efficient Problem Mitigation

Automated SMS allows for rapid response in emergencies, facilitating the quick dissemination of instructions and updates. This can be crucial for resolving issues before they escalate, whether it’s coordinating with employees during a system outage or alerting citizens about a public safety threat.

Cost-Effective

Compared to traditional communication methods like phone calls or mail, SMS is highly cost-effective. With automation, the costs can be further minimized while maximizing reach.

By leveraging automated SMS communication, organizations can efficiently manage communications in various scenarios, ensuring that essential messages are promptly delivered and seen.

Text Marketing versus Text Notifications

Some customers use our platform for sending text marketing campaigns.  Typically marketing messages include a promotion or incentive (Example: text Coupon1 to [  ] and get 5% off your next purchase).  We treat our marketing customers a bit differently.  By default, all marketing customers are placed on a Toll-Free Number (TFN).  In compliance with the TCPA law, text marketing customers are restricted to sending text messages between 8am and 9pm recipient time.  Each message is subject to a review and hold by our compliance team if any messages are deemed inappropriate (see this page to learn more about inappropriate material).

Text notifications (we often refer to them as Alerts) include messages critical to the organization.  They may include alerts about closings, schedule changes and emergencies.

Our text notification customers can request a 24/7 exemption to allow them to send alerts at any time around the clock (follow this link to learn more).  Our SimpleSend text messaging app integrates with your desktop system to quickly send messages from your phone; in most cases messages are created and received in 20 seconds or less.  SimpleSend is available with our business-class text messaging packages.

Additionally, the 64800 shortcode is available to our business-class notification customers.  Since we approve all customers on this shortcode no message-holding review is required.  This allows us to ensure that all text notifications sent on 64800 are distributed instantly.

There are great sources to review the TCPA law, CTIA and MMA guidelines.

 

Contact Us

Questions?  We’re always happy to help.

You can contact our support team for more through our Help Desk; email us support@simplifiedalerts.com or text GoSupport to 64800.

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