There are some limitations to be aware of when using text messaging features outside of the United States. Below are some points to be aware of as well as our recommendations to ensure smooth usage.
Short Code Number Usage
If you are using a shared short code (i.e. 555555) from eGo Connect or your own short code, it will only work in the country that it was originally provisioned for. Contact support for more information about using short codes in countries outside of the United States.
Long Code Number Usage
United States long-code phone numbers (i.e. 1-555-555-5555) have global SMS capabilities, so it’s not a necessity to have a phone number in each country. It is important however to be aware of some of the limitations below.
Recipients May See a Different Sender ID
After someone sends a text message to your phone number, they may receive a response back from an alternate number in certain countries due carrier or regulatory policies. Some carriers will block text messages that are being sent from foreign phone numbers. To ensure the message gets through however, the sending phone number may be modified to a format accepted by the carrier of that particular mobile device.
Recipients May Not be Able to Text Back
In addition to receiving a response from an alternate number, the recipient may not be able to text back and interact. If you are using our Inquiry features, this most likely won’t effect you because recipients will receive one text message back with a web link that they are not required to respond to. This will primarily effect the text to donate feature since any donor that gives for a second time by text will be required to interact with the system.
Regulatory Policies vary By Country
There may be issues with the replies from our system in certain countries due to certain carrier or regulatory policies. For example, India is a country that has rules which are stricter than most. In any case, this may or may not effect your usage of eGo Connect depending on which features you use most in a particular location. If you are using any feature that does not require a responding text, you should be fine at the time.
You May be Able to Aquire a Local Number
We do offer you the ability to purchase local numbers in various countries with text messaging abilities. Click here for a full list.
Recommendations
To ensure smooth usage of the system we recommend first testing the number locally with a contact in the country of usage. Test both the 2-way interactive donation features and the features that require no response like portions of the inquiries. Secondly, we recommend that you call local carriers to see if there are any additional charges for a user to receive or send a text message to United States phone number.
If you have any additional questions, please contact support.