As a business owner, you understand the importance of clear and effective communication with your customers. One of the ways Sinch MessageMedia ensures this communication is through the use of Alpha Tags in SMS messaging.
However, it's also essential that such communication is in accordance with the requirements under what is commonly referred to as the “Scam Code” - that is; Industry Code C661: 2022 Reducing Scam Calls and Scam SMs.
What are Alpha Tags?
Alpha Tags are unique identifiers used in SMS messages to represent your business in just 11 characters. They help recipients recognise who the SMS message is from, enhancing the recognition and credibility of your business.
Why are Alpha Tags important?
Alpha Tags serve several important functions:
- Business Recognition: Alpha Tags offer a way for businesses to maintain their brand presence in SMS communications.
- Customer Trust: Recognisable Alpha Tags can lead to increased customer trust, as customers are more likely to interact with messages from familiar senders.
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Scam Prevention: By registering Alpha Tags, we can combat scam messages, making SMS communication safer and more secure for everyone involved.
What's changing with Alpha Tags?
Since July 2022, the Scam Code requires all Alpha Tags to be registered with your messaging provider. The aim is to prevent fraudulent usage of business names and improve the overall integrity of SMS communication.
How do I register my Alpha Tag?
Registering your Alpha Tag is a straightforward process:
1. Log into the messaging Hub.
2. Go to Settings > Numbers > Business names.
3. Request approval for the Alpha Tags you are currently sending from.
4. Await an email from us confirming the status of your request.
When is this due by?
Please ensure you complete this process before August 7, 2023, to avoid any disruption to your SMS messaging service.
Can I register my alpha tag via the API?
You can choose to use the API to initiate the Alpha Tag approval process. Ensure that you include all the necessary information in your API request payload, such as the account id, sender ID, purpose of use, and region. Refer to the API documentation for the specific details and formatting requirements.
After initiating the Alpha Tag approval process, it's essential to monitor its progress. Check the API documentation to understand how you can retrieve the status of your Alpha Tag approval request via the API. This will allow you to track the progress and receive updates on the approval status.
During the approval process, we may reach out to you for additional information or clarification. It's crucial to respond promptly to these requests, as delays in providing the requested information may lead to processing delays or even rejection of your registration.
Can I submit my alpha tags for registration in bulk?
In order to streamline the process of registering multiple alpha tags, we offer the option to bulk register alpha tags using a CSV (Comma-Separated Values) file. This method allows you to efficiently submit multiple registrations at once.
To begin the bulk registration process, you must prepare a CSV file containing the necessary information for each alpha tag. The CSV file should include the required fields, such as: vendor, account_id, Alpha Tag, contact details, purpose of use and region.
In addition to the CSV file, you must fill in and sign the third-party authority form (attached at the foot of this article) and submit with the prepared CSV file to the support team for processing.
Once you have prepared the CSV file and completed the form, please contact our support team to submit your bulk registration request.
During the approval process, the support team may reach out to you for additional information or clarification. It's crucial to respond promptly to these requests, as delays in providing the requested information may lead to processing delays or even rejection of the registration.
Alpha Tag registration is a critical step in ensuring the continued effective use of SMS messaging for your business. By registering your Alpha Tags, you contribute to a safer, more secure messaging environment, while ensuring your brand recognition remains intact.
We understand that these changes may require adjustments and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation. If you need further assistance or have any questions, our support team is always available to help.