Glossary

SMS sent from an Application or platform to a Phone/person. A2P messaging is one-way SMS to which recipients are not expected to reply. Everything sent from our platform is A2P traffic and goes over an A2P connection.

The alphanumeric sender ID technology allows the sender to send messages using a custom, recognizable sender ID constructed from any combination of numeric and alpha characters (0-9, a-z, A-Z, _). Therefore, an alphanumeric sender ID is much more recognizable by users so they can identify the sender more easily. This way, the sender ID can be used to present anything from a company name to a name of any government organization. However, the receiver of the message can`t reply to a message sent with an alphanumeric sender ID.

An API (Application Programmable Interface) is a set of subroutine definitions, communication protocols, and tools for building software. In so many words, it is a set of clearly defined methods of communication among various components.

Importing all the information needed to send bulk SMS in an excel or CSV. file.

Bulk SMS is the dessimanation of large volumes of SMS with similar content/originator or recipient at the same time, usually as part of a marketing campaign.

Caller ID is a telecommunication service that enables users to identify incoming calls before answering. Caller ID is possible with mobile, analog, digital and VoIP calls.

A concatenated short message service is used to divide the long message into smaller ones that get recombined at the receiving end. With this feature, the complete message appears to the receiving user as a single long text message (a concatenated SMS message). On networks which do not support Concatenated SMS, each smaller message is delivered as individual SMS text message.This service is used to overcome the limitation on the number of characters that can be sent in a single SMS text message transmission (which is usually 160).

Country codes are short numeric geographical codes (geocodes) developed to represent countries and dependent areas, for use in data processing and communications.The term country code frequently refers to international dialing codes.

Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS) is a cloud based platform that enables developers to add real-time communication features (voice, video and messaging) in their own applications without needing to build backend infrastructure and interfaces.

If an SMS message is not delivered (even after the SMSC retry cycle is complete) then a delivery receipt, with an error code indicating why the message failed will be sent.

The destination number of an SMS is the phone number of the recipient you wish to send the message to.

The destination operator is the operator to which the subscriber’s handset is attached. In most cases the destination operator is the home network but when a subscriber is roaming, then the destination operator will be the network on which the subscriber is roaming.

Direct Inward Dialing (DID) is a service provided by a local phone company (or local exchange carrier) that provides a block of telephone numbers for calling into a company’s private branch exchange (PBX) system. Using DID, companies can offer customers individual phone numbers for each person or workstation within the company without requiring a physical line into the PBX for each connection.

A direct connection is a valid and authenticated connection to the SMSC of the mobile network operator.

Delivery reporting is a feature that confirms a successful or failed message delivery to the phone handset.

Dual-tone Multi-frequency code is a response code that is generated when an end-user presses the numbers on a mobile or landline phone’s keypad. Actually is the tone that is heard when a user of a mobile or a landline phone presses a number on the keyboard. Each number is uniquely identified with the DTMF code that can be received and interpreted on the receiver side. DTMF code signaling enables reception of information from the end user e.g. PIN code during a voice call.

End Users usually refers to the recipient of an SMS message in the context of an MT Message or the sender of a message in the context of an MO Message. An End User is sometimes called a consumer or a subscriber.

A message that appears on the recipient’s mobile screen and is not allocated to the SMS inbox . Flash SMS is a feature most commonly used to immediately catch the recipients’ attention.

A grey route is a route used for sending SMS and where the destination operator (on which the subscriber you are sending the messages is connected) does not get paid for the message.

GSM is a standard which packs the most commonly used letters and symbols in many languages into 7 bits each for usage on GSM networks

GSM Association (commonly referred to as ‘the GSMA) is an originally-European trade body that represents the interests of mobile network operators worldwide. The GSMA represents its members via industry programmes, working groups and industry advocacy initiatives. It also organizes the mobile industry’s largest annual exhibition and conference, the Mobile World Congress, and several other events.

HLR (Home Location Register) is a database that contains various information about all of the mobile subscribers of a mobile network such as the mobile numbers, services, whether the numbers have been ported to another network and similar information. Home Location Register lookup (HLR Lookup) is a service that dynamically contacts a central database (on the operator’s side) that contains details of each mobile phone subscriber authorized to use the GSM core network as: Current servicing MSC/Status of the subscriber/Temporary handset error code if applicable// Status – Valid/Invalid/If the subscriber is available to receive SMS/If there is an error code preventing SMS delivery/If the number has been ported to another mobile network. In Routee HRL lookup is call Number Lookup.

In telecommunications, hop on refers to a point at which a signal or call enters a network or a hub from another network. For example, a call passing through a private branch exchange (PBX) can hop on to a major network such as AT&T. Conversely, a call coming from a large network can hop on to a local PBX or a local cellular network.

An inbound message is a mobile message routed from an end user’s mobile device and delivered to a mobile phone or an application. It may also be regarded as a Mobile Originated message or MO signifying that the starting point of a message is a mobile phone.

Interactive voice response (IVR) is a technology that allows a computer to interact with humans through the use of voice and DTMF tones input via a keypad.

SMS Latency is defined as the amount of time it takes from when a message is submitted to an Aggregator until the message is delivered to the handset. Latency is extremely important for some use cases, as a study shows more than 30% of users will give up on the service if they have not received an SMS in 10 seconds. Learn more about the importance of latency in our blog article “SMS and Its Need for Speed” and how slow messages might cost you more than you expect here.

Long Codes are also known as long numbers and are full mobile telephone numbers (e.g. 1408 7654321 or 447624803588) that can be used for 2-way SMS applications. They look like normal subscriber numbers but are actual virtual and are assigned to an application to ensure correct delivery of MO Messages.

MMS is the acronym for Multimedia Message Service; it is an extension to Short Message Service (SMS), allowing long text messages – 160> characters. Also, unlike SMS that is text-only, MMS allows for sending multimedia content, including images, video (up to 40 sec) and audio.

A mobile network operator or MNO, also known as a wireless service provider, wireless carrier, cellular company, or mobile network carrier, is a provider of wireless communications services that owns or controls all the elements necessary to deliver services to end-users. In short, a mobile network operator (MNO) is a telecoms entity that provides services for mobile phone subscribers.

Mobile Number Portability (MNP) enables mobile telephone users to retain their mobile telephone numbers when switching from one mobile network operator to another. Most MNOs offer this service for free or for a nominal price, enabling users to change numbers or switch operators with ease.

MSIN stands for Mobile Subscription Identification Number. It is a unique number, consisting of maximum 10 digits, used to differentiate a mobile phone by a mobile network operator (MNO). The Mobile Subscription Identification Number (sometime also referred to as the Mobile Subscriber Identification Number) is part of the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) number – the last 10 digits of the 15 digit long IMSI number are the MSIN.

A number uniquely identifying a subscription in a GSM or a UMTS mobile network. An MSISDN (Mobile Subscriber Integrated Services Digital Network number) is the phone number associated with a single SIM card, in other words, the number you call or send an SMS message to.

A Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) is a company that provides mobile phone service but does not have its own licensed frequency allocation of radio spectrum, nor does it necessarily have the entire infrastructure required to provide mobile telephone service.

Mobile Voice over Internet Protocol (mVoIP) is when you talk over an IP using your mobile phone i.e. making a call using a phone that runs off your mobile data connection.

Also known as a ‘Long Code’ or a ‘Long Number’. This is a standard mobile telephone number that conforms to the numbering system in the relevant country and can be used for 2-way messaging.

Numeric Sender ID is the default sender type of an SMS message in standard MSISDN form. Recipients can reply to messages with a numeric sender ID, meaning that it can be used for two-way messages.

The opt-in function is connected with getting permission from the customer to send any kind of messages to his or her’s email, mobile number or chat application.

The opt-out function is an action where a customer requests to no more receiving messages to his or her’s email, mobile number or chat application.

The originator of an SMS is the label describing who or where an SMS is sent from. The most common originator is a mobile number, as this is what is displayed when an SMS is sent from a mobile handset.

A one-time PIN code is a code that is valid for only one login session or transaction using on a computer system or other digital device.

Over the top (OTT) is a term used to refer to content providers that distribute streaming media as a standalone product directly to end users over the Internet, bypassing platforms that traditionally act as a controller or distributor of such content

An outbound message is a message routed from a client or an application and delivered to the end user’s mobile phone. It may also be regarded as a Mobile Terminated message or MT, signifying that the endpoint of the message is a mobile phone.

P2P SMS is process of sending mobile messages from one user to another, where an SMS message travels between two mobile subscribers.

Price Elasticity of Supply and Demand (as defined here) is believed to be a factor in the SMS ecosystem. Put simply, as the price of an SMS decreases the volume of SMS sent increases. Adversely, the higher the price of an SMS, the lower the volume will be generated in the overall market. This factor is important to consider when Mobile Operators set the price for an SMS.

Push notifications is the delivery of information from a software application to a computing device without a specific request from the client. Push notifications can easily be enriched with various media such as images, videos, audio, and even emoji’s in order to increase the open rate and offer a more engaging messaging communication.

Reach is a term commonly used in the SMS ecosystem to describe the destinations each Mobile Operator can send a message. Reach is the act of seeking to establish communication with someone, with the aim of offering or obtaining assistance or cooperation.

Representational State Transfer (REST) is an architectural style that defines a set of constraints to be used for creating web services.

Roaming is a term that refers to the ability of a mobile phone user to use his mobile phone for making or receiving voice calls, sending or receiving messages and data while travelling outside the coverage of his mobile service provider. The mobile phone uses the subscriber’s identity to access the network in the visited country.

Software Development Kit (SDK) is a set of software development tools that allows applications to be created.

A Short Code that is shared with other content providers. “Keywords” are used to differentiate incoming SMS.

A Short Code is a 3-6 digit number which enables sending and receiving of SMS messages, usually in SMS sweepstakes, polling, TV voting etc. With short codes, sending and receiving messages is limited to national borders. They can be leased from mobile network operators or through specialized messaging companies that also provide consultancy and tech support.

Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) is a removable smart card for mobile phones. SIM cards securely store the service-subscriber key (IMSI) used to identify a GSM subscriber. The SIM card allows users to change phones by simply removing the SIM card from one mobile phone and inserting it into another mobile phone. A SIM card can also serve as a memory storage device, e.g. to store contacts or SMS messages, network information or apps particular to the mobile user’s mobile operator.

A Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) Trunk or SIP Trunking is a way of communicating using VoIP rather than a traditional telephone line.

Short Message Peer-to-Peer (SMPP) in the telecommunications industry is an open, industry standard protocol designed to provide a flexible data communication interface for the transfer of short message data between External Short Messaging Entities (ESMEs), Routing Entities (REs) and Message Centres.

SMS is the acronym for Short Message Service, and is more commonly referred to as text messaging. An SMS message has a length of 160 characters.

An SMS aggregator is a company that makes sending a mobile message (SMS or MMS etc.) to any person, anywhere in the world, with one connection.

Distribution of mobile messages, including SMS and Premium SMS, directly to the end-users’ mobile devices.

An SMS gateway allows a computer to send or receive Short Message Service (SMS) transmissions to or from a telecommunications network. Most messages are eventually routed into the mobile phone networks

A new structure for international SMS traffic, reshaping international mobile inter-operability by implementing hubs to intermediate SMS traffic and offer a larger SMS coverage. The GSM Association (GSMA) found in SMS hubbing the solution to a problem that limits the continuing growth of international SMS, culminating with the development of SMS hubbing trials in 2006, part of the Open Connectivity project. This initiative created a new structure for international SMS interoperability, as well as developed standards and requirements that SMS hubs should follow. Regardless of the maturity of the operator or number of subscribers, each subscriber expects to be able to send an SMS to other subscribers, regardless of country and mobile network.

SMS termination refers to the delivery of an SMS message either from one mobile user to another (P2P) or from an application to a mobile user (A2P). In other words, it confirms that the message was delivered to a mobile phone user.

Signaling System #7 (SS7) is a set of telephony signaling protocols which are used to set up most of the world’s public switched telephone calls, also used in mobile messaging, prepaid billing and other applications.

The terminating operator is an expression used to explain which Mobile Operator’s SMSC delivered a message to a subscriber. For example sending a message to MTN South Africa via Vodafone UK’s SMSC, we would say Vodafone UK was the terminating operator (or termination operator). Please don’t get confused between the Terminating Operator and the Destination Operator. Using the above as an example MTN South Africa would be the Destination Operator.

Text-to-Speech is a process that converts written text into an audio file automatically.

Closely related to Throughput, Throttle is a technique a server will use to prevent your application from exceeding its allowed throughput.

Throughput is a term used to describe how many messages can be sent per second.

Toll-free numbers are telephone numbers with special area codes that can be dialed from landlines with no charge to the person placing the call. When calling from VoIP-based or mobile phone, minutes-based charges still apply.

Two Factor Authentication also known as 2FA, is an extra layer of security. A single code is generated upon request, the customer receives the password immediately after Routee receives their phone number, through SMS messaging. That way, services can ensure that their users receive the verification PIN.

Two way SMS is a service that enables a 2-way conversation between plattform and person. Both bussinesses and customers can send and receive messages.

UDH (User Data Header) is a binary structure which defines the kind of the message had been sent. It does not contain any text, but it specifies how the message should be formatted and processed.

A User Interface (UI) is what is used by people to interact with computers / software.

Unicode is a computing industry standard for the consistent encoding, representation, and handling of text expressed in most of the world’s writing systems

User Experience (UX) describes all elements of a customers interaction with a company, its services and its products.

The period of time during which a message (sms, email, voice call, etc) is legally acceptable.

A Virtual Long Number (VLN) is a typical mobile number provided by mobile operators, consisting of 12 digits (eg. 442312345678). They work on a country level but also work internationally and in roaming, allowing businesses and institutions to build SMS interactions with end users over the SMS channel. VLNs are used in interactive SMS campaigns, TV and radio voting, SMS sweepstakes etc.

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a technology used for the delivery of voice communications (i.e.talking) over the internet.

As the name suggests, in the context of the number of Hops a message takes to be delivered, if a message delivered directly by the CLX Communications SMSC then it is a zero-hop connection.