FAQ guide on Transactional SMS in India

📌 What is a Transactional SMS?

A Transactional SMS is a non-promotional message containing critical information like OTPs, alerts, or confirmations. These messages:

• Can be sent 24×7, even to DND numbers
• Must not contain any marketing content
• Require DLT registration of templates and sender ID

🧾 Who Can Send Transactional SMS?

Any registered business or entity that has completed DLT registration and obtained approval for:

• Entity profile
• Sender ID (6-character alphanumeric)
• Content templates with variables like {#var#}

🕒 When Can Transactional SMS Be Sent?

• Anytime, 24×7, including nights and holidays
• Unlike promotional SMS, there are no time restrictions

🚫 Can Transactional SMS Be Sent to DND Numbers?

Yes! Since they contain essential information, they are exempt from DND filtering

🧩 What Should a Transactional SMS Template Look Like?

Templates must be pre-approved and follow DLT format:

Your OTP is {#var#}. Do not share it. Valid for 10 minutes.

Other examples:

• Rs. {#var#} debited from A/C {#var#}. Balance: Rs. {#var#}.
• Hi {#var#}, your order #{#var#} will be delivered by {#var#}.

🛡️ What Are the Compliance Requirements?

• Register on a DLT platform (e.g., Jio, Airtel, Vodafone Idea)
• Use approved sender ID and content templates
• Avoid promotional content in transactional routes
• Include brand name in every SMS

⚠️ What Happens If You Violate SMS Rules?

• Messages may be blocked
• You could face penalties or DLT suspension
• Risk of losing customer trust

📮 Can I use Transactional SMS for marketing if I disguise it?

No. Even if the message looks informative, if it contains promotional intent (like discounts or product pitches), it violates TRAI rules. Transactional SMS must be strictly non-promotional.

🧾 What’s the difference between Transactional, Service Implicit, and Service Explicit SMS?

🏷️ What is a Sender ID and how should I format it?

• Must be 6-character alphanumeric (e.g., VK-ACME1)
• Should reflect your brand name
• Registered and approved via DLT portal

🧪 How do I test my Transactional SMS before going live?

• Use sandbox or trial credits from your SMS provider
• Ensure your template is DLT-approved
• Send test messages to internal numbers (including DND-registered ones)

🧰 What tools or platforms support Transactional SMS in India?

Popular platforms include:

• SMSGATEWAYHUB
• infobip
• Gupshup

🚨 What are common mistakes to avoid?

• ❌ Using promotional content in transactional messages
• ❌ Skipping DLT registration
• ❌ Sending to unsubscribed users without consent
• ❌ Reusing templates without approval

❓ What is Service Implicit SMS?

Service Implicit SMS refers to non-promotional messages sent to customers based on an existing relationship. Consent is implied through prior interaction.

Examples:

• OTPs for login or transactions
• Order confirmations
• Account alerts or billing reminders

❓ What is Service Explicit SMS?

Service Explicit SMS is used for Promotional service updates that require explicit opt-in consent from the customer.

Examples:

• Appointment reminders
• Subscription updates
• Delivery notifications for opted-in services
• Send Promotional SMS via approved Sender id

🔍 Key Differences

🧠 When Should You Use Each?

• Use Service Implicit SMS for transactional/Services/OTP/Alerts updates tied to user actions.
• Use Service Explicit SMS when sending Promotional-related messages that require prior consent.

For more Detail Visit www.smsgatewayhub.com or call +91 9907922122