bulk sms meaning

What is bulk SMS?

Bulk SMS is sending an SMS/MMS message to multiple end-users simultaneously. Bulk SMS is typically a ‘broadcast’ or “one-to-many” type of message and differs from a Group Message, which is considered “many-to-many.”

Bulk messaging is the dissemination of large numbers of SMS messages for delivery to mobile phone terminals. It is used by media companies, banks and other enterprises (for marketing and fraud control) and consumer brands for a variety of purposes including entertainment, enterprise and mobile marketing.

Bulk messaging is commonly used for alerts, reminders and marketing, but also information and communication between both staff and customers.

What is bulk SMS messaging?

Today the application-to-person SMS messaging services have evolved to include bulk SMS messaging alongside the sending of single messages (such as one time passwords and delivery notifications), interactive messaging (such as group messaging services), and incoming number services (such as mobile marketing campaigns, voting or information lines).

A defining characteristic of bulk SMS messaging is that businesses and organisations can make use of one or more solutions to send and receive SMS messages, namely; a mobile phone application, a software programme, a web interface, or integrate an SMS API with their website or system. These bulk SMS messaging solutions interface with a service providers’ SMS gateway to ensure the delivery of messages to mobile phone numbers anywhere in the world.

An SMS gateway acts as a relay between the mobile network operators and a wireless applications service provider. These SMS gateways allow for SMS traffic to distributed via a direct connection to the SMSC (Short Message Service Centre) of a mobile network operation and then onto a recipient’s mobile phone number.

The uses of bulk SMS messaging is continually evolving as new business or public benefit needs are identified. From large scale businesses to small enterprises, community groups to educational institutions, bulk SMS messaging provides a cost effective solution for managing communications with small or large contact groups.

Before commencing with the sending bulk SMS messages it is important to note that you must comply with the regulations specific to your country and the country to which you are sending SMS messages.