An SMS aggregator is a company or platform that bridges businesses and mobile network operators (MNOs).
The aggregator acts as an intermediary between companies (i.e., content and brand owners) wanting to interact with end users through their mobile phones and operators.
Aggregators specialize in handling large volumes of SMS messages, routing them efficiently to the right networks for delivery to the end-user’s mobile device.
Instead of a business needing to negotiate individual connections with numerous mobile carriers worldwide, an aggregator streamlines this process into a single connection.
Since aggregators lack direct access to the SS7 protocol, SMS messages are delivered to the operator’s SMSC but not directly to the subscriber’s handset. Instead, the SMSC further handles the message through the SS7 network.
How does an SMS aggregator work?
SMS aggregators are a crucial bridge between businesses and mobile network operators in the middle of the SMS delivery process. Here’s a breakdown of where they fit:
1. Business sends SMS
A business will use an SMS software platform or API to create an SMS campaign. This includes the message content and the list of phone numbers to receive it.
2. Connection to the aggregator
The business’s SMS platform is connected to an SMS aggregator. The campaign details are sent to the aggregator.
3. Message routing
The SMS aggregator determines which mobile carriers are associated with the target phone numbers. It then routes the messages to the correct carriers based on that information.
4. Carrier delivery
The mobile carriers receive the messages and deliver them to the individual recipients’ phones on their network.
Delivery reports
SMS aggregators can provide businesses with delivery reports confirming whether the messages were successfully delivered.
Think of it like this:
What are the benefits of using an SMS aggregator?
As specialists in delivering global SMS messages, aggregators provide an essential service to businesses that use the SMS channel to communicate with their customers.
They offer:
- Scalability: Aggregators have the infrastructure, technology, and global network to handle vast traffic without impacting delivery speed and rates. They can handle the usual peaks in SMS traffic and unexpected spikes due to unforeseen events.
- Security: SMS aggregators offer an extremely secure service for SMS delivery as they handle traffic for all financial and government organizations with the highest possible security procedures.
- Speed and reliability: With reliable direct connections to 800+ global mobile networks, the top SMS aggregators can automatically ensure the most direct and fastest delivery route for every SMS sent both domestically and globally for transactional and hyper time-sensitive messages, for example, SMS messages sent as part of 2FA and 3FA security solutions.
- Compliance: Regulations around SMS sending vary between countries and carriers. Aggregators stay up-to-date on these rules and handle compliance, ensuring your messages aren’t blocked, and you don’t face penalties.
- Technical expertise: Aggregators have teams dedicated to optimizing SMS delivery, message routing, and troubleshooting any issues that may arise. This frees up your technical staff.
What is the difference between a tier-1 and tier-2 SMS aggregator?
Tier-1 SMS aggregator
- Connection to carriers: Direct relationships with mobile network operators
- Message delivery speed: Fastest and most reliable
- Control over routing: More control over message routing and optimization
- Deliverability rates: Higher deliverability due to direct connections
Tier-2 SMS aggregator
- Connection to carriers: Relies on Tier-1 aggregators or other intermediaries
- Message delivery speed: Potential for slightly slower delivery
- Control over routing: Less control over message handling
- Deliverability rates: Slightly lower deliverability rates are possible
NOTE: While a Tier-1 SMS aggregator has lower costs, a Tier-2 SMS aggregator might sacrifice quality to reduce prices.
Are SMS gateways and SMS aggregators the same?
SMS gateways and aggregators are similar, but they have distinct roles within the SMS delivery process.
An SMS gateway is primarily a software or hardware solution that converts messages between different protocols. It lets computers or applications send and receive SMS messages over telecommunication networks. Businesses often use SMS gateways to send SMS directly from their systems on a smaller scale. A gateway might only have connections to a few mobile carriers.
Meanwhile, SMS aggregators handle large volumes of messages and focus on streamlining delivery across a vast, global network of carriers.
Why partner with an SMS aggregator?
An SMS aggregator simplifies the complexities of global SMS communication, offering scalability, compliance, and expert routing that ensures your messages reach the right audience efficiently. Partnering with a Tier-1 SMS aggregator further enhances reliability with direct carrier connections, higher deliverability rates, minimal downtime, and optimized routing for secure, real-time transmission.
By partnering with a trusted SMS aggregator, you eliminate the need to negotiate multiple carrier agreements, optimize message delivery, and maintain compliance with international regulations, all while ensuring cost efficiency and smooth integration with your existing platforms.
Let’s summarize why SMS aggregator is a good choice for your business.
- Direct carrier connections: Faster, more secure delivery with fewer points of failure.
- Higher deliverability rates: Messages reach their destinations without unnecessary delays.
- Minimal downtime: With enterprise-grade infrastructure, Tier-1 aggregators provide 99.671% uptime.
- Optimized routing: Intelligent routing ensures the most efficient path for every SMS.
- Faster time to market: Smooth integration and compliance expertise help businesses launch campaigns quickly and at scale.
FAQs about SMS aggregator
High-volume messaging: The ability to send large number of SMS messages simultaneously to diverse audiences.
Global reach: Access to a wide network of mobile carriers worldwide, ensuring messages can be sent across borders.
Message routing optimization: Intelligent routing that ensures SMS messages are delivered through the fastest and most reliable channels.
Delivery reports: Real-time reports that provide feedback on message delivery status, helping businesses track their campaigns.
Compliance management: Adherence to local regulations and compliance standards across various regions and carriers.
Cost efficiency: Competitive pricing and the ability to scale messaging without incurring significant additional costs.
API integration: Smooth integration with existing business systems for efficient operation and automation of SMS campaigns.
A Tier-1 SMS aggregator is a provider that maintains direct relationships with mobile network operators (MNOs), ensuring the highest level of reliability and service. Key characteristics of a Tier-1 SMS aggregator include:
Direct carrier connections: These aggregators avoid intermediaries by connecting directly to the mobile network operators, resulting in faster and more secure message delivery.
Higher deliverability rates: With direct connections, the risk of message delays or failure is reduced, leading to higher success rates in message delivery.
Superior uptime: Tier-1 aggregators offer exceptional uptime, often approaching 99.671%, ensuring minimal service interruptions.
Optimized message routing: They have more control over how messages are routed, which results in faster delivery times and better performance.
Global reach: They provide extensive coverage, allowing businesses to send messages to almost any country around the world.
Businesses needing high-volume SMS for marketing, notifications, alerts, customer service, and two-factor authentication often get great value from aggregators.
Absolutely! A significant advantage of aggregators is their vast network of carrier connections for global SMS reach.
Some do! They can help you lease short codes and manage the processes involved in using them.
They enable sending promotional texts, coupons, appointment reminders, etc. and can provide analytics to track the success of those campaigns.
Yes! They stay up-to-date on regional regulations and often provide tools and guidance to help businesses ensure their campaigns follow best practices (like opt-in requirements).
No, content is the business’s responsibility. However, the aggregator may flag problematic content that could violate carrier rules.
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