MEP User Guide
Opt-In for SMS Campaigns
Opt-in and opt-out requirements for SMS campaigns differ per country and within that, often by mobile operator and campaign type (directory assistance, marketing, free-to-end-user, premium, etc). Therefore, the following information is provided purely to explain in very general terms how end user opt-in works, particularly for campaigns in the UK and US. At all times you need to read and follow the regulatory information for your region.
Initial opt-in
In the UK and US, opt-in to an SMS campaign might include these options:
- A keyword sent into a short code
- A phone call to your customer service team
- Through a website (via either a mobile phone or PC)
- A paper-based or in-store sign up
Opt-in via SMS is handled by your MEP services. However, to support phone, website, and paper-based sign up, there are three APIs available:
- The Invoke Service API enables you to trigger a service for a specific end user. This API is highly available.
- The Inject Message API enables you to simulate a message from the end user, which can then trigger your opt-in service.
- The Subscriptions API enables you to add users to a subscription (but does not trigger a service).
U.S. double opt-in
Many campaigns run in the U.S. require end users to confirm their intent to opt-in to a service in order to comply with mobile operator regulations. When creating your opt-in service, use the double opt-in handler to run through this process easily.