SMS Gateway - Recommendations?

[VertarUK]

As the title says... there's a million gateways out there, do they differ much?

I'm looking for a service to enable sending and receiving of SMS, as cheapy as possible, though also interested in later upgrading to a shortcode/premium number.

Cheers all
Phil

 

[leemason]

How do you want this to work. Do you want software that will allow you to send SMS messages manually or do you want to send batches of messages in some automated way?
Some services provide front-end software which looks good but is not much good for sending bulk SMS messages.

 

[VertarUK]

As long as it can be integrated via http/asp/vbscript/vb or similar as we have in-house developers.

 

[cjd]

Not all SMS platforms are equal there's a lot of crap out there. You're looking for one that injects directly into the mobile network - some queue them and delays can be awful.

Have a look at 2ergo - their networks are good but invoicing can be a little erratic...

http://www.2ergo.com/

 

[Gavin Harris]

Phil,

A company I can strongly recommend is Send My Txt - http://www.sendmytxt.co.uk/

Speak to Tony Coyne there, and mention me, as I've worked with him many, many times in the past.

They're a great company, and they've worked on some pretty big projects.

 

[VertarUK]

Many thanks guys, really appreciate the help there.

 

[SuffolkDesigns]

also checkout www.bulksms.co.uk, they go as low as 2,85p per text

 

[evolutioninternet.co.uk]

clickatell is a south african based company whos rates are pretty good

 

[VertarUK]

Thanks. Not too worried about rates or being able to send large volumes, more to do with the ease of interfacing to applications and speed etc.

Also interested in dedicated short codes, which seem to be going for around £500-£600 a month, though I would guess if I need quite a few then a discount is going to be available from the chosen supplier.

Another question I have for the forum - is it possible for companies to easily setup as virtual suppliers of SMS services in a similar way to how virtual webserver companies operate therefore hiding the fact they're simply re-branding a main supplier?

http://www.sendmytxt.co.uk/ look like a likely solution at the moment.

 

[cjd]

^^^ It is very easy (assuming you have the technical know-how). However, you then need a billing system and a marketing budget because everybody is at it.

Then beware fraud - SMS is a fraudster's paradise.

 

[VertarUK]

I feared as much!

I shall tread with caution...

 

[Gavin Harris]

Another question I have for the forum - is it possible for companies to easily setup as virtual suppliers of SMS services in a similar way to how virtual webserver companies operate therefore hiding the fact they're simply re-branding a main supplier?

http://www.sendmytxt.co.uk/ look like a likely solution at the moment.

Yes, as has been mentioned previously, you need to ensure that your provider has direct access to the networks, and the smaller outfits (who can often be cheaper) don't have that direct access.

I'm glad you'll look into Send My Txt. They've provided SMS solutions for me personally for a couple of radio stations I've been working with, along with a safety messaging service for the Lucy Blackman trust and they've been great to work with on all 3 occassions, and a lovely bunch of people too!

 

[falconinternetlimited]

I have worked within the mobile operator community for the last 6 years and I would recommend MX Telecom. (I am not affiliated / associated in anyway other than having used their services in the past)

Regards,

Rupert