Global sending restrictions and other quirks
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)
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.