SMS Integration - Bulk SMS APIs for Java, PHP and .NET Applications

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Have you ever wanted to integrate SMS(Short Messaging Service) service with your application? Are you searching for an option to stop fake users from signing up on your website?

This article lists all major bulk SMS services and phone number verification services, you can choose the best one based on your requirements.

What is SMS Integration?

Say you are developing a travel website where users can search for a holiday package and make online booking. Once the booking is done you want to send the booking details to the user via SMS.

There are many service providers who provide bulk SMS services. You need to sign up for their service, few of them need a setup fee but there are some providers who charge you purely based on the number of messages sent from your application.

How to integrate SMS service with your application?

Select a service provider who provides an API to integrate SMS with your application. Most of them offers APIs in all popular programming languages including HTTP/HTTPS, Java, PHP, .NET. The volume of the messages is calculated using the API key provided by the service provider. Some providers gives complete statistics of the usage which will help you to analyze the trends.

Bulk SMS Service Providers

I am listing some most popular bulk SMS providers(with API support):

• Clickatell Bulk SMS Gateway - Connects to 819 networks in 222 countries - Euro 0.01452 per SMS for pricing bracket 1 to 9,999 to India - Developer API in all popular Programming Languages
• Twilio Cloud Communications - USD 0.01 per SMS - Pay as you go model - Supports REST API and support for other programming languages -

What are the limitations on Bulk SMS?

Generally speaking, SMS integration is a must have feature for any eCommerce site. But in India there are some regulations put by TRAI(Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) for sending bulk SMS. You are not suppose to send bulk SMS to those numbers which are present in the DND(Do not Disturb) directory. There are some exceptions though:

• Messages sent to its customers by Bank or Financial Institutions, Insurance Company, Credit Card companies, Access Provider or Depositories registered with SEBI, DTH companies
• Information given by Airlines or Indian Railways or its authorized agencies to its passengers regarding travel schedules, ticket booking and reservations
• Information from a registered Educational Institution to its students or their parents or guardian

What are the other options?