Ozeki SMS Gateway FAQ

What kind of number formats are available in Ozeki SMS Gateway?

  • Short Code
  • Local Number Format
  • International Number Format
  • Long Code
  • Alphanumeric Number format

What is a short code?

A 4- or 5-digit number, e.g.: 1544

Short codes are memorable, 5- or 6-digit numbers used by businesses and organizations for SMS communication. Here's what makes them tick:

  • Simplicity at its Finest: Short codes are easy to remember and dial, making them ideal for widely advertised SMS services like contests or discount programs.
  • Network Specificity: They typically function within a single mobile operator's network or a specific country (if operators collaborate). Think of them as internal shortcuts for a particular service provider.
However, short codes have limitations:
  • No International Reach: Unlike phone numbers, short codes cannot be used to send SMS messages internationally. They operate within a specific network or region.
  • Limited Mobility Operator Support: While some operators share short codes across networks within a country, this isn't always the case. A short code might only work with a particular mobile provider.
This clarifies the benefits and drawbacks of short codes, emphasizing their simplicity and limitations regarding network reach and international use.

What is the local number format?

A number that does not start with a country code, e.g.: 06201234567

Local number formats are the familiar phone numbers you use for regular calls within your region. When it comes to SMS, here's what they offer:

  • Simple and Familiar: Local numbers consist only of digits, without a plus sign or country code. They're easy to remember and use for sending SMS messages to someone within your country.
  • Network Specific: Local numbers often include a network prefix that identifies the mobile operator (e.g., Verizon, AT&T). This prefix helps route the message within the specific network.
  • Staying Local: Local number formats are strictly for domestic use. You cannot send SMS messages internationally using a local number.
Essentially, local number formats are for sending SMS messages to people within your own country using their familiar phone numbers. They offer simplicity but lack the international reach needed for messages across borders.

What is international number format?

The most widely used telephone number format. It starts with a plus sign and a country code, that is followed by a network prefix and the phone number itself. e.g.: +36201234567

The international number format is your key to sending SMS messages across borders. It ensures your message reaches any mobile phone worldwide, as long as the number is correctly specified. Here's how it works:

  • Universal Reach: The international format includes all the necessary components to route a message internationally. It combines the country code (identifies the nation), network prefix (specific mobile operator), and the phone number itself.
  • Example Breakdown: Let's say you're sending an SMS to a US number from abroad. You would use the format +12143500649, where:
    • +1 - Country code for the United States
    • 214 - Network prefix (e.g., Verizon, AT&T)
    • 3500649 - The recipient's phone number
Avoiding Common Pitfalls: People in regions where international calling is commonplace might be more familiar with the full international format. However, it's a good reminder that including the country code is essential for successful international SMS delivery. Forgetting the country code (+1 in the US example) can lead to failed messages and frustration.

By following the international number format, you can ensure your SMS messages travel the globe and reach their intended recipients.

What is a long code number?

Long code means that the telephone number is longer than the standard phone number length in the network. e.g.: +36201234567111111

While not universally available, some networks offer a feature called a postfix for long codes. This is a freely defined set of digits appended to the standard long code number.

Unlocking Possibilities: Postfixes can be incredibly useful for applications, acting like unique message IDs. Here's an example:

Imagine a long code +36201234567. By adding a postfix like 111111 (resulting in +36201234567111111), an application can identify and process the message content based on that specific postfix, enabling more dynamic interactions.

Network Specificity: It's important to note that postfixes are not supported by all networks. They typically work only with IP SMS connections like SMPP, UCP, or CIMD2.

GSM Modem Limitations: Traditional GSM modem technology doesn't allow for postfixes. If you're using a GSM modem, you can only receive messages on the standard long code number (MSISDN) itself.

This clarifies the concept of postfixes and their limitations, highlighting network compatibility and the restrictions of GSM modems.

What is the alphanumeric number format?

When sending SMS messages via an IP SMS connection (like SMPP, UCP, or CIMD2), you have more control over your sender address. It's not limited to just phone numbers:

  • Say Goodbye to Just Numbers: Embrace a more personalized touch! You can define a text sender address instead of, or in addition to, a phone number. This allows you to display your nickname, company name, or any other relevant identifier when sending the message.
  • Keeping it Short and Sweet: There's a limit of 11 characters for alphanumeric sender IDs. This ensures clarity and avoids overwhelming the recipient.
  • Latin Character Focus: For readability purposes, alphanumeric sender IDs currently support only Latin characters (A-Z and 0-9)
A Word on Replies: While alphanumeric sender IDs offer customization, it's important to note that recipients might not be able to reply directly to messages sent with them. This is a technical limitation you should consider when choosing your sender address strategy.

This clarifies the benefits and limitations of using alphanumeric sender addresses for IP SMS connections.

If my Android device supports two sim cards - can I receive SMS messages on both of the SIM cards? Which of the sim cards is the one, that will send the SMS message to a mobile phone?

The Ozeki Android SMPP SMS Gateway acts as a bridge between your Android phone's SIM cards and Ozeki SMS Gateway software on your computer. It facilitates two-way SMS communication through the following functionalities:

  • Inbound Message Forwarding: Any SMS message received on any SIM card within your Android phone is automatically forwarded to Ozeki SMS Gateway. This allows you to centrally manage and process incoming messages on your computer.
  • Outbound Message Delivery: When you initiate an SMS message through Ozeki SMS Gateway, the software identifies the recipient's phone number and selects the appropriate SIM card based on pre-configured settings. The message is then transmitted through the chosen SIM card to the recipient's phone, provided it's in an active state on your network.
In essence, Ozeki Android SMPP SMS Gateway enables you to leverage your Android phone's SIM cards for sending and receiving SMS messages through Ozeki SMS Gateway on your PC.

Can I see the phone number of sender's service centre?

Ozeki cannot display the sender's service centre phone number.

I have installed and SMPP connection then set the sender address of my admin user, but it does not appear on the destination phone. Could you help me?

The issue might be related to the configuration of your service provider connection in Ozeki SMS Gateway. Here's how to check:

  1. Access the configuration form for the service provider connection used for sending SMS messages.
  2. Locate the section for "Telephone number" (or a similar field).
  3. Look for a checkbox labelled "Overridable" or similar. Ensure this checkbox is enabled.
By enabling the "Overridable" option, you grant Ozeki the ability to use a sender number you specify when sending messages, overriding the default settings from the service provider.