Wednesday, May 22, 2013

 

 

SMS Distribution

SMS (Short Message Service) is a quick and cost efficient way to communicate with a large number of mobile phone users.

The most commonly used application for SMS is to communicate with customers about up and coming promotions. However, the use of SMS is endless.

Initially, you will be required to complete an account application form. Once your account is setup you can begin sending using the following method.

How to send your message:

  • Email message to sms@accountscentral.com.au

  • 160 characters maximum including spaces

  • We recommend no special characters as some phones may display them differently. i.e. !@#$%^&*() etc.

  • A list of the mobile numbers that you want the message sent to. Preferably in excel format.

  • A Header - Maximum 11 characters. No spaces or special characters. Can be letters or numbers only.

  • Also indicate when you want the message to be sent. If no time is specified it will be sent ASAP.

The current price of sending an SMS is 12 cents per message plus GST. There is a 2 cent per message surcharge applied to personalised messages. There are no contracts or setup fees - simply pay for what you send.

 

If you would like to setup an account please email new@accountscentral.com.au together with your Name, Company Name and Contact phone number.

 

We encourage all our clients to be familiar with the Spam Act. For your convenience here is an extract:

 

The Spam Act prohibits the sending of 'unsolicited commercial electronic messages' - known as spam - with an 'Australian link'. A message has an Australian link if it originates or was commissioned in Australia, or originates overseas but was sent to an address accessed in Australia.

 

If your business uses any form of e-marketing, including email, SMS (text message), MMS (image based text messages) or instant messaging, you must understand and meet the following three key requirements of the Spam Act:

 

Consent - make sure you have consent to contact the recipient and can prove you have obtained it

 

Identify - include accurate information to identify yourself or your organisation as the authorised sender of the message

 

Unsubscribe - make sure your messages have a functional unsubscribe facility, so that recipients can unsubscribe at any time.

 

A message does not necessarily have to be sent out to numerous addresses to be considered spam. Under Australian law, a single electronic message can be considered spam.

 

The Spam Act prohibits the supply or use of address harvesting software for the purpose of sending spam and sets out financial penalties for breaches of the legislation. Visit The Act and Codes of Practice for more detailed information on the Spam Act.