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International Restrictions

Written By Bekkie Wetz (Super Administrator)

Updated at May 18th, 2023

Global sending restrictions and other quirks

Jiminny uses virtual numbers for voice and messaging e.g. we don't operate physical devices or hardware.
Our virtual numbers are optimised for domestic 2-way messaging. We cannot guarantee messages will be received on a virtual number if the originating SMS was sent from a number from a different country. Any "successful" delivery of an international SMS to a virtual number is down to our platform providing the best-effort delivery.

Here are some examples for receiving SMS on virtual numbers:

  • Sending an SMS from a UK mobile number to a UK virtual number will arrive;
  • Sending an SMS from a Belgian mobile number to a Belgian virtual number will arrive;
  • Sending an SMS from an Australian mobile number to a UK virtual number may arrive, but we cannot guarantee this;
  • Sending an SMS from a Spanish mobile number to a German virtual number may arrive, but we cannot guarantee this;
  • Sending an SMS from an Australian mobile number to a US virtual number will likely not arrive;
  • Sending an SMS from a UK mobile number to a Canadian virtual number will likely not arrive;
  • Sending an SMS from any non-US virtual number to a US number will not arrive due to the local country restrictions. The same restrictions are set for Canada.

US & Canada (+1)

There are a few exceptions where it is mandatory to use a Local Long Virtual Number as SenderID as otherwise messages will be rejected. This applies to US & Canada.
Therefore, if you're sending an SMS from a non +1 number to the +1 destination, it will fail.

 

Key Update (1st June 2023):

Unfortunately, effective 00:00 GMT 1st June 2023 network operators in the UK will block SMS messages submitted with International long codes.

Why is this happening?
UK network operators consider the use of international long codes for Application-To-Person (A2P) SMS as an abuse of Person-To-Person (P2P) routes. SMS messages to the UK must be sent with an Alphanumeric Sender ID, a domestic long code, or a short code.

What do you need to do?
You’ll need to find an alternative solution for International long codes SMS messaging from outside of the UK into the UK although this is likely to be predominantly automated SMS messages.