1. Can I send messages in bulk over long codes?
Yes, you can send messages in bulk over long codes. We do support sending bulk messages using short codes, and toll free numbers.
FAQ
2. What happens if the SMS is sent to a Landline number
If the SMS is sent to a landline number, the messages will be rejected and you will be charged for the same.
3. Do we support call forwarding on Shortcode?
No. We do not support Call Forwarding on short codes. It is available only for Long codes.
4. Is it necessary to use a shortcode for bulk messages?
No, it is not necessary to use a shortcode for sending bulk messages. You can use long codes as well.
5. Do you offer a shared shortcode?
Yes, we do offer a shared shortcode.
6. Do we support MMS on shortcode?
Yes we do support MMS on shortcode. This should be mentioned at the time of getting the number activated. It needs to be approved under the program brief. Your respective AM should be able to help with this.
7. Do we text-enable a Google Voice number?
No, we cannot text enable a Google Voice Number.
8. Do we text enable Bandwidth numbers?
No, we do not text enable bandwidth numbers, because Bandwidth is a known slammer.
9. How many types of shortcodes are there and which are they?
We have 2 types of shortcodes, as mentioned below:
- Dedicated Random – $9,000/Year
- Dedicated Vanity- $16,200/Year
10. Can I use my mobile number for texting using the SMS-Magic app?
No it’s not supported. Either you can get your landline/VOIP number text enabled with us or we can procure a number for you with your preferred area code.
11. I want to send MMS using a Toll free number, is it possible?
Yes, you can send MMS using a toll free number, however, with certain providers. Not all providers support MMS feature on the Toll free number. Get in touch with the SMS-Magic support team for more information.
12. Can I use an Alpha sender ID to send messages to the U.S. and Canada Numbers?
No, you need to use 10 digit long code as only Numeric sender IDs are allowed to send messages to Canada and the U.S. numbers.
13. Do I need to prefix +1 to the mobile numbers before sending an SMS?
No, number formatting does not matter. The SMS will be sent even if you do not prefix the country code unless you are not sending messages outside the country.
14. How Can I text enable my Landline number with SMS-Magic?
You need to fill out an LOA form (Letter of Of Authorization) and send it to care@screen-magic.com. Click here to download the form
15. When Should I Use a Short Code?
The best time to use a short code is when you want to reach a large audience quickly. Short codes let you send thousands of messages at once, making them ideal for Mass texting.
17. What is a Dedicated Short Code?
A dedicated short code is a number that only you can use.
Dedicated short codes have several advantages. Perhaps the most important one is that they provide you with creative freedom. Because you are not sharing your number with anyone else, you can pick any keyword you want—even if another company is using it. With a dedicated short code, you also have more control over your brand image. Unlike a shared short code, you’ll know exactly what messages your customers are receiving from your number.
16. What is a shared short code?
A shared short code, like 555888, is a number used by multiple businesses. If you use a shared short code, you’ll be limited in what keywords you can use. If another entity has already claimed a keyword, you won’t be able to use the same one.
18. What are different cases where I should use a Short Code?
Following are the different scenarious where you should use a Short Code:
- If you need to text thousands of people at once
- If you are hosting a Text to Win Sweepstakes
- If you want to poll your customers using Text to Vote
- If you need to send images using MMS
- If you are sending alerts and updates that don’t need to be personalized
19. What are Long codes and their Advantages?
A long code is a standard, 10-digit number. With a long code, your company can use the same number to send SMS messages. Also, a message that comes from a standard 10-digit number assures that it is coming from a person, not a bot. That makes long codes perfect for providing a personalized customer service experience.
20. What are the Disadvantages of Long Codes?
With long codes, you can only send one message per second. If you want to send text blasts to a large group of people instantly, it’s best to opt for a short code. Also, unlike short codes, long codes are limited to SMS messages. The most obvious disadvantage of long codes is that they are longer. This makes it more likely that a user may enter a wrong code on their phone. Short codes are easier to remember.
21. What are the different instances where I should use a Long Code?
Here are a few instances where you should use a long code:
- If you need to communicate 1-on-1 with a customer
- If you want to provide customer service using SMS
- If you want to set up texting network for your internal staff
- If you want to keep your number consistent across all channels
22. Can I text enable my existing toll free number?
Yes, you can text enable your existing toll free number. Please submit the LOA for the same. Click here to down the LOA.
23. We cannot afford a short code but need to send mass text, How can it be done?
Try using a Toll free number.
With our toll-free texting service, you can text-enable your existing toll-free number or get a new one from us. It only takes a few minutes to get started.
The throughput rate of toll-free numbers is significantly higher than long code numbers, meaning it’s a good option if you need to send mass campaigns. Plus, the setup cost is low and you can send personal 1-on-1 texts just like you could with a long code. Think of a toll-free number as a hybrid between a long code and short code. For more information, please write tocare@screen-magic.com.
24. Is it necessary to add country code? What is the standard mobile format to be followed for sending messages?
No, it is not necessory to prefix a country code to the mobile number for sending messages. The mobile number is saved in its standard ten digit format.
25. Can I auto forward calls on my phone number?
Yes, we can enable the call forwarding on a virtual long code. Which can forward the incoming calls to your mobile number.
26. How to text enable my landline number?
We will share the LOA form with you. You can fill the form & we will get the number text enable for you.
27. Can one organization have multiple numbers and define the criteria for the same.
Yes, one organization can have multiple numbers. There are commercial details involved with it.
28. Will the customer be able to access the messages on his/her mobile phone.
Yes, the customer will be able to access the messages on his/her mobile phone.
4. What is the difference between the “right to restrict processing” and “consent management?
The right to restrict processing refers to the right of Data Subjects to request that a data controller blocks or suppresses the processing of their personal data. Consent Management refers to the ability of organizations to manage individual’s consent preferences. In order to process personal data, organizations must have a lawful basis to process the data. Under the GDPR, there are six legal bases which organizations can rely on to lawfully process personal data. One of these is the consent of the data subject. If an organization is relying on consent, and the individual requests a restriction of processing of their personal data, depending on the circumstance of the request, organizations may also consider updating the individual’s consent preferences. This change would include their intent to restrict all processing of their personal data. Organizations should seek legal counsel to understand what legal bases they are relying on to lawfully process personal data and their obligations under the GDPR, in order to design their process.
5. Who is a Data Protection Officer (DPO)?
A Data Protection Officer is the professional responsible for the data protection activities and measures inside the company. He/she holds the security leadership role in charge of overseeing data protection strategy and implementation to ensure compliance with GDPR requirements.
Our information security manager will be our DPO. If you want more details, you can reach out via email at data-protection-officer@screen-magic.com.
6. How should we notify customers of these new rights?
The European Commission has a website with guidance for its citizens on GDPR.
7. Is Screen Magic GDPR compliant?
Yes, Screen Magic is GDPR compliant.
8. What does GDPR mean for customers?
Screen Magic understands that meeting the GDPR requirements may take a lot of time and effort. As your partner, we want to help you make your process as seamless as possible, so you can focus on running your business. Some of our product enhancements will make it easier for you to:
- Provide access controls
- Encrypt, anonymize, or delete user data
- Perform data audits or assessments using data processing logs
- Create provisions for data subjects’ rights
- Enhance security for user data
9. How does GDPR impact Screen Magic and its customers?
The GDPR regulates the “processing” of personal data of any EU resident (who is referred to as a “data subject”). “Processing” includes the collection, storage, transfer, or use, of personal data. This means that any company that processes the personal data of any data subject, regardless of where the company is based, is subject to the rules of the GDPR. Additionally, the GDPR defines personal data very broadly, and includes name, email, demographic information, real-time location, online activity, and health information, to name a few. As the messaging service platform, Screen Magic receives billions of data points from all over the globe, including data points that are or contain personal data from data subjects. This means that both Screen Magic and our customers sending us data will need to comply with the requirements of the GDPR.
10. Is Screen Magic collecting data?
Screen Magic is the “data processor” for its customer’s data. Our customers therefore are the “data controller”. These terms are defined under the GDPR. The data controller collects data from data subjects (i.e., customer) and says how and why personal data is processed. The data processor receives the data from the data controller and acts upon instruction from the data controller.
11. What data does Screen Magic process?
While registering for our product/services we request you to provide us with such information like the first name, last name, company business name, address, website address, email address. This is the basic data that we process and store. We also store Billing contact (email address), Billing address, shipping address, Contact number for billing, Point Of Contact for rest of the conversation (Name, email, phone), address of the company as well as any additional address to whom invoice needs to be communicated. We also store SMS data that is SMS content and phone numbers. All information is stored in an encrypted format. Along with the business related data, account related information, such as customer ID, company and fields are also stored. You can find a full description of the data processing practices in our Privacy Policy: https://www.sms-magic.com/privacy-policy/
12. Do I need to sign a Data Processing Agreement/Addendum (DPA)?
Yes. Regardless of being a data controller or a data processor, when you transfer the personal data to us (and you do so using our services) you may need to enter into a Data Processing Agreement (DPA) with us if you are transferring any EU citizens personal data.
13. Will Screen Magic sign a Data Processing Agreement (“DPA”) with me?
Yes. We understand the GDPR has robust requirements and obligations for both data collectors and data processors and we are committed to helping our customers use Screen Magic in a compliant manner. We have made our DPA available online so that our customers can be confident that their data is processed in a lawful manner.
14. How should we notify customer of these new rights?
The European Commission has a website with guidance for its citizens on GDPR.
15. Can customer data in Screen Magic be encrypted?
Yes. Screen Magic chose to leverage standard encryption to demonstrate their security measures and to serve as an additional layer of precaution against a data breach.