<p>This is useful for making micropayments for digital products and services in addition to other types of transactions. To carry out the payments, the user&rsquo;s mobile operator must support carrier billing technology. This payment option existed before smartphones and is still widely available due to its convenience and reliability.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2>How Does Carrier Billing Work?</h2>

<p>The carrier billing process begins with the customer selecting a digital product or service and choosing carrier billing as the payment method in the checkout stage. Next, the user will often need to verify their identity using a&nbsp;<a href="https://dexatel.com/glossary/otp-sms/" title="What is OTP?">one-time password</a>, PIN code, or biometric verification. This depends on the security measures and billing type of the carrier.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Once the authorization is successful, the system adds the cost of the content or service to the customer&rsquo;s mobile phone bill or deducts it from the prepaid balance. The mobile carrier will then transfer the money to the content provider or app store, finalizing the transaction.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>3 Types of Carrier Billing</h2>

<h3>1. PSMS</h3>

<p>PSMS, or premium SMS, type of carrier billing is when the user makes a payment from their mobile phone number with premium-rate text messages. The charge for the service then goes to the user&rsquo;s mobile phone bill. There are two forms of PSMS payments:&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p><strong>Mobile-terminated SMS billing</strong>: The user is billed upon receiving an SMS message from the business</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><strong>Mobile-originated SMS billing</strong>: The user is billed upon sending an SMS message to a specific&nbsp;<a href="https://dexatel.com/features/dedicated-short-codes/" title="Dedicated Short Code Solution">dedicated short code</a></p>
	</li>
</ul>

<h3>2. Direct Carrier Billing</h3>

<p>Direct carrier billing (DCB) is a more streamlined method of billing where users don&rsquo;t need to log in, register, or send a text message to make a payment. This is especially common for accessing premium content on mobile websites and applications. To offer this service, carriers often need approval from their central bank. This is because since their product becomes a financial service&mdash;besides their usual carrier services.&nbsp;</p>

<p>One common form of DCB is Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) billing. It involves making one-click purchases from a phone via a WAP browser or application. The WAP platform detects the phone&rsquo;s MSISDN (Mobile Subscriber Integrated Services Digital Network Number) which is in the SIM card. Then, the WAP notifies the mobile provider to charge the customer for the purchase.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>3. NFC</h3>

<p>Near-Field Communication payment allows users to make purchases by tapping their NFC-enabled smartphones against a point-of-sale terminal or another NFC-enabled phone. By using this convenient and secure method, customers can make various transactions and online payments. The amount is then charged to their mobile phone bill.</p>

<h2>Top 4 Advantages of Carrier Billing</h2>

<h3>1. Easy to Use</h3>

<p>The user-friendliness of carrier billing simplifies the transaction process for users. It doesn&rsquo;t require adding long and detailed information regarding the payment. Customers can easily make purchases with just a few clicks. This creates a positive payment experience for users, especially for those who find traditional payment methods long and inconvenient.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>2. Easy to Access</h3>

<p>One of the best advantages of mobile carrier billing is its accessibility. Customers can easily access carrier billing services through their smartphones, tablets, or feature phones. Since the payment method is linked to the phone bill, the user won&rsquo;t need to log in each time they need to complete a transaction. This is unlike&nbsp;mobile wallets, which often require login credentials and&nbsp;two-factor authentication. This accessibility is also beneficial for customers who don&rsquo;t use credit cards or traditional banking methods.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>3. Reliable</h3>

<p>Carrier billing uses the solid infrastructure of mobile carriers, making it a reliable payment solution. The robust systems of telecommunication companies boost the reliability of transactions and minimize the likelihood of failed payments. This is essential for customers who rely on seamless transactions to access digital content or make in-app purchases.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>4. Trustworthy</h3>

<p>The involvement of reputable telecom providers in the transactions makes carrier billing a trusted method for customers. Users often have an established relationship with their mobile service providers. This creates a level of trust and assures customers that their payments are secure in the hands of telecom companies.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>5 Common Use Cases of Carrier Billing</h2>

<h3>1. Digital and Virtual Products</h3>

<p>Customers can use carrier billing to buy digital products, like mobile apps, e-books, and software. They can also use this payment method to purchase in-app content without the need for a credit card.</p>

<h3>2. Online Gaming</h3>

<p>In the case of online gaming, carrier billing allows for in-game purchases, buying virtual currency, and upgrades. Gamers can unlock features, purchase items, and carry out micro-transactions within games.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>3. Music Streaming</h3>

<p>Carrier billing offers music enthusiasts an effortless way to sign up for music streaming services. Users can easily access premium content and pay for their subscriptions directly via carrier billing.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>4. City Parking</h3>

<p>Mobile carrier billing can also be practical for real-world scenarios like city parking. It offers a hassle-free way for users to pay for their parking fees, making it accessible for urban services.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>5. Public Transport Tickets</h3>

<p>Carrier billing makes it easy to purchase tickets for trains, buses, subways, and other transit services. Commuters can pay for transportation needs seamlessly and efficiently with their mobile phone accounts</p>


Carrier billing is a mobile payment type that involves charging the purchase amount to the mobile phone bill or deducting it from the prepaid balance. 

Carrier billing is a type of mobile payment that charges the transaction amount to the user’s mobile phone bill and processes it via the mobile operator. 

Carrier billing refers to a type of mobile payment that customers can use to make micropayments for digital products and services via mobile operators. 

What Is Carrier Billing? - Dexatel Glossary

Carrier Billing?

Carrier Billing

<p>Also known as international revenue-sharing fraud (IRSF), toll fraud can pose huge financial risks to the targeted business. To carry out this form of artificially inflated traffic (AIT) attack, fraudsters exploit weaknesses in the account registration process. Many victims only find out about the attack after it happens, and they see the unexpectedly high charges.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>How Does Toll Fraud Work?</h2>

<p>This type of fraud starts with the hacker finding vulnerabilities within the telecommunications system, like gaps in the account registration process. Next, they create seemingly legitimate fake accounts using automated bots or scripts. The attacker uses these accounts to start making unauthorized calls or sending SMS messages to expensive service numbers from telecom companies.</p>

<p>These premium numbers incur higher charges, with a portion directed to the carrier. The fraudsters, often in collaboration with telecom insiders, get financial gains through profit-sharing arrangements. Meanwhile, the unaware victim incurs significant costs in the form of an inflated phone.</p>

<p>Besides the financial impact, unexpected charges and service interruptions following the attack can damage a company&#39;s reputation and disrupt daily operations. This makes toll fraud a multifaceted threat to businesses.</p>

<h2>The Effect of Toll Fraud on Businesses</h2>

<h3>1. Financial Losses</h3>

<p>Unauthorized calls or text messages sent to premium-rate numbers incur inflated charges. These lead to unexpectedly high phone bills. Since businesses are often unaware of the fraudulent activity, they end up paying these bills for nothing in return.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>2. Operational Disruptions</h3>

<p>The financial burden as a result of toll fraud can disrupt a company&#39;s everyday operations. Unforeseen and inflated expenses can hinder budget plans, forcing the business to cancel or postpone any planned initiatives or investments. This financial strain can extend to other operational aspects, keeping the victim from being able to allocate resources effectively.</p>

<h3>3. Damage to Reputation</h3>

<p>Toll fraud has the potential to tarnish a business&#39;s reputation. Being associated with fraud can damage trust among customers, partners, and other stakeholders. Perception is important in business. A bad reputation can drive away customers and make it harder to get new ones.</p>

<h3>4. Resource Diversion</h3>

<p>Dealing with the aftermath of toll fraud requires a great deal of resources. Businesses should spend time and effort investigating fraud, identifying weaknesses, and applying security measures to prevent future attacks. These efforts divert resources from core business activities.</p>

<h3>5. Service Interruptions</h3>

<p>Depending on the scale of the financial impact, toll fraud can lead to service interruptions. Telecom carriers will suspend services or place restrictions on accounts with outstanding charges. Service disruptions can hinder communication with customers, partners, and even internal contacts.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>6. Regulatory Consequences</h3>

<p>Businesses can face regulatory scrutiny if the toll fraud attack is severe. Authorities will investigate security lapses, compliance issues, or breaches of data protection regulations. Consequences can include fines, legal actions, and the need for extra security measures to keep up with industry standards.</p>

<h2>Detecting a Toll Fraud Attack</h2>

<p>Unusual spikes in online registrations from high-risk countries can be a sign of a toll fraud attack. Many businesses often overlook this data. It&rsquo;s important to monitor call and message volume patterns regularly.</p>

<p>Companies should also keep an eye out for unusual destinations of outgoing calls and messages. Hackers target international or premium-rate numbers to maximize unauthorized charges.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Other common signs of toll fraud include unexpected service interruptions and irregularities in billing statements. Anomaly detection tools can help identify unusual patterns that signal the possibility of a toll fraud attack.</p>

<h2>What to Do After Suspecting Toll Fraud</h2>

<p>Upon suspecting potential toll fraud, businesses should immediately take steps to prevent further damage. This includes disabling any compromised phone systems or accounts. They should then report the suspected attack by contacting their mobile network operator.</p>

<p>Remember to keep SMS messages, call records, and other information as evidence for an investigation. Companies should report toll fraud to authorities and review security measures to find any weaknesses.</p>

<h2>Preventing Toll Fraud</h2>

<h3>1. Keep Track of Vulnerability Scanning Threats</h3>

<p>Hackers often know the ports that VoIP systems use, and they actively search for weaknesses that help them gain access to the victim&rsquo;s network. Conducting periodic vulnerability assessments helps address any toll security gaps before fraudsters get a chance to exploit them.</p>

<h3>2. Take Password Protection Measures</h3>

<p>One basic toll fraud prevention method is to get rid of all default passwords because hackers can easily find them on the web. Companies need to enforce strong, unique passwords for user accounts and encourage regular password updates. Implementing&nbsp;two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security.</p>

<h3>3. Limit Geographic Permissions</h3>

<p>Another important step is to restrict geographic permissions for telecommunication services. If a company&rsquo;s operations are primarily local, for example, it can limit its international calling and messaging capabilities. Geo-fencing can prevent unauthorized access from regions not relevant to any of the business activities.</p>

<h3>4. Monitor Call and Message Logs</h3>

<p>Always keeping track of call and message logs helps mitigate toll fraud. Real-time monitoring tools can help pinpoint any unusual activity. Examples include prolonged call durations, messages to premium-rate destinations, and unexpected surges in call or message volume.</p>

<h3>5. Establish Rate Limits</h3>

<p>Setting rate limits on the volume and frequency of calls and messages is also helpful. Establishing reasonable rate limits can prevent large-scale, automated toll fraud attacks. Businesses can configure these limits based on regular usage patterns, and any odd changes can trigger alerts for investigation.</p>

<h3>6. Use Endpoint Security Solutions</h3>

<p>Strong endpoint security solutions can protect systems and applications connected to telecommunications networks. Endpoint security protocols, like IPSec VPNs and SSH (Secure Shell), help prevent unauthorized access attempts as well as malware infections.</p>

<h3>7. Limit International Calling Behavior</h3>

<p>Businesses can configure their VoIP system to restrict international calls or messages. Limiting access to international numbers creates an extra layer of security, reducing the risk of toll fraud associated with premium-rate or international destinations. With an authorization code for international communications, companies can keep an eye out for unusual patterns more easily.&nbsp;</p>


Toll fraud is when hackers create numerous fake accounts using bots that generate a high volume of calls or messages through premium-rate phone numbers.

Toll fraud is when hackers exploit weaknesses within a company’s telecommunications system, using bots to generate fake calls or SMS messages. 

Toll fraud refers to a form of artificially inflated attack where hackers use bots to generate calls or messages to premium service phone numbers.

What Is Toll Fraud? - Dexatel Glossary

Toll Fraud?

Toll Fraud

<p>Text message pumping aims to generate revenue for scammers or cause financial losses to those providing premium-rate services. Also known as SMS toll fraud, this form of SMS attack is a growing issue in the telecommunications industry.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>How Does SMS Pumping Work?</h2>

<p>In an SMS traffic pumping attack, the fraudster uses a bot to send thousands of SMS messages to high-cost destinations. This inflates the cost of the attack for a business, which then has to deal with millions of dollars in fraud SMS charges.&nbsp;</p>

<p>SMS pumping involves highly complex and varied network traffic routes. This makes it tricky for businesses to detect and prevent fraudulent activity. The process often consists of several parties, including aggregators and mobile carriers. Each of these parties has unique routing mechanisms to forward&nbsp;SMS communications, making the source of the attack obscure.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>How Does SMS Pumping Affect Businesses?</h2>

<h3>Overspending for Nothing</h3>

<p>SMS pumping results in a scenario where a business pays for fake traffic that yields zero legitimate results. Those messaging costs don&#39;t translate to tangible benefits like&nbsp;customer engagement or revenue. This amplifies the financial impact on the business.</p>

<h3>Service Disruption</h3>

<p>To deal with the damage of SMS traffic pumping, a business will sometimes need to suspend its SMS services for a while. This disruption can prevent actual customers from contacting the business. It will also hinder the revenue stream associated with those services.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Additional Expenses</h3>

<p>Having to detect and combat SMS pumping will require investing in security measures and fraud prevention tools. This increases operational costs for the business as it tries to address the aftermath of the attack and prevent it from happening again.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Resource Diversion</h3>

<p>Handling customer inquiries, complaints, and refund requests due to SMS pumping can be a hassle for&nbsp;customer service teams. This forces the business to divert resources from carrying out the usual proactive customer interactions to managing the fallout from the fraudulent activity.</p>

<h2>Examples of SMS Pumping</h2>

<h3>OTP Fraud</h3>

<p>The most common victims of SMS pumping are websites that send OTP messages for login attempts. In this scenario, cybercriminals get access to stolen credentials via the dark web and use bots to immediately carry out a large number of logins on the victim&rsquo;s app or website.</p>

<p>The OTP pump will then result in massive costs for the business because of the numerous fraudulent login attempts. This means the company will face thousands or millions of dollars in charges following the diversion of those text messages to high-cost SMS destinations.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Webform Attacks</h3>

<p>In a webform attack, a company that gathers mobile numbers in a popup webform becomes a victim of a cybercriminal using a bot to input countless numbers in the phone number field. The business will send thousands of SMS messages to premium-rate numbers or high-cost countries. Each of those messages will incur costs, resulting in unexpected financial losses. The company will think it is delivering messages to potential customers when it&rsquo;s actually going through an SMS traffic pump attack.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>How to Detect SMS Pumping</h2>

<h3>Keep Track of SMS Verification Success</h3>

<p>One way to detect an SMS pumping attack is by monitoring the success rate of&nbsp;<a href="https://dexatel.com/glossary/otp-sms/" title="What is OTP?">OTP verification</a> attempts. Legitimate users often have a specific success rate when trying to verify their identity via SMS. An unusually high number of incomplete login attempts in a short period can point toward fraudulent activity. Businesses should regularly analyze and keep track of two-factor authentication (2FA) success rates to identify anomalies that can indicate SMS OTP fraud.</p>

<h3>Report Unexpected Spikes in Traffic</h3>

<p>A sudden and unexpected spike in SMS traffic, especially to premium-rate numbers, is another red flag for text message pumping. Companies must keep track of SMS traffic patterns and quickly report any unusual surges to mobile carriers. These spikes can indicate an effort to send SMS messages in large volumes for fraudulent purposes. After detecting a spike, businesses can investigate and mitigate potential SMS pumping attacks.</p>

<h3>Look out for Similar Number Inputs</h3>

<p>Those who engage in SMS traffic pumping often use automated systems or bots to send high volumes of messages. The result is patterns or sequences of similar number inputs. Businesses should keep an eye out for repetitive or sequential number inputs.</p>

<p>This can include consecutive or similar phone numbers, like +2222222223, +2222222224, +2222222225, and so on. Immediately reacting to such scenarios is crucial for preventing further losses.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>How to Prevent SMS Pumping</h2>

<h3>Set Rate Limits</h3>

<p>To prevent SMS traffic pumping, it&rsquo;s important to establish rate limits for both message volume and frequency. Limiting the number of messages that can be sent within a certain timeframe reduces the risk of a large-scale SMS attack. A rate-limiting mechanism allows businesses to restrict the number of SMS messages that originate from a single source. This also helps to block other types of attacks, like website scraping and email flooding.</p>

<h3>Use Bot Detection Solutions</h3>

<p>Another way to mitigate the risk of SMS pumping is by implementing bot detection solutions. These systems use algorithms and machine learning to identify patterns, analyze user behavior, and distinguish between legitimate users and bad actors. By adding fraud detection to OTP verification, businesses can stop malicious bots from infiltrating online forms or SMS services.</p>

<h3>Build a Blocking List</h3>

<p>Putting together a blocking list based on country codes is an effective measure against SMS pumping. Companies can stop SMS traffic from high-risk countries where fraudsters often operate due to low regulations. They can do this by collaborating with a mobile network operator (MNO) or using specialized filtering software.</p>

<p>By creating&mdash;and regularly reviewing&mdash;a blocking list, businesses can protect their services from unexpected charges. The list will restrict messages from regions with a history of fraudulent activities.</p>


SMS pumping is a type of fraud activity where the malicious party exploits premium-rate services by sending a large volume of text messages through a company’s app or website. 

SMS pumping is when a malicious party takes advantage of premium-rate services by generating fake traffic through a company’s platform. 

SMS pumping refers to a type of cyberattack where malicious individuals or entities abuse premium-rate services by generating large volumes of fake messages.

What Is SMS Pumping? - Dexatel Glossary

SMS Pumping?

SMS Pumping

<p>This validates that the phone can make and receive VoIP (Voice over IP) calls. Once the endpoint sends a SIP register to the registrar, the latter confirms the request and stores the connection in the domain&rsquo;s network (the location server). The registration changes several times throughout the day to prevent fraudulent activity. Besides voice calls, SIP also supports video conferencing, media distribution, and&nbsp;<a href="https://dexatel.com/blog/instant-messaging-for-businesses/">instant messaging</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>How Does SIP Registration Work?</h2>

<p>The SIP registration process consists of several components. These include the SIP registrar, the endpoint, and the AOR (Address of Record). Also referred to as IP phones, SIP endpoints are all over the internet and most of them don&rsquo;t contain an IP address. This requires each endpoint to register an IP address and port number with a registrar in order to be available to other endpoints. A SIP register message forms a link between the endpoint device and an AOR, which appears as sip:user@domain.</p>

<p>As per the SIP standard, the process begins automatically after a user sets up an IP phone. SIP registrations expire periodically with timeouts depending on the SIP device vendor. IP phones need to renew the registration before the connection expires. Therefore, most of them automatically re-register halfway through each period.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Benefits of SIP Registration</h2>

<h3>Flexibility&nbsp;</h3>

<p>An ordinary PSTN (public switched telephone network) phone number can only enable making and receiving calls from the phone&rsquo;s location. With a SIP endpoint, employees can reach each other whether they are in the office or working remotely.</p>

<h3>Agility and Scalability</h3>

<p>SIP technology allows companies to add numbers with ease whenever needed. They can use each of those numbers to make and receive an unlimited number of calls, whether local or long-distance. Businesses can also drop a number when they no longer need it, and they only pay for what they use.</p>

<h3>Affordability</h3>

<p>SIP lines tend to be affordable; in most cases, you only pay a minimal monthly fee for outgoing voice calls. And it is only a fraction of the cost that you would otherwise pay for calls on leased lines.</p>

<h3>Virtual Presence</h3>

<p>Companies can use SIP numbers with any area code and exchange available. This means being able to appear local to customers who prefer dealing with local businesses, regardless of where your office is based.</p>

<h3>Manageability</h3>

<p>As opposed to working with phone companies, which can be inconvenient, SIP technologies are less time-consuming and easier to manage.</p>

<h2>Elements of SIP Registration</h2>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p><strong>SIP endpoint (or user agent)</strong>: The SIP entity that the user interacts with. This can be a softphone application, a SIP handset, or any device with a microphone and speakers</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><strong>SIP AOR</strong>: The SIP address that identifies the user and consists of a username and a domain name</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><strong>SIP registrar server</strong>: The server that accepts SIP register requests and keeps a database of a user&rsquo;s registrations</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><strong>Binding table</strong>: A table that includes data such as ports, IP addresses, and phone numbers</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><strong>Location server (or domain network)</strong>: Where the SIP registrar stores the connection data</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><strong>IP authentication</strong>: A check that the SIP registrar does to validate the user&rsquo;s details</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><strong>Redirect S\server</strong>: The server that consists of alternative locations where the call can be directed (that is to say where the user can be reached)</p>
	</li>
</ul>

<h2>SIP Register Examples</h2>

<h3>A Failed SIP Register</h3>

<p>A failed SIP register example involves getting &ldquo;401 unauthorized&rdquo; as a response for all the requests. The first response is due to insufficient information about the endpoint (or the user agent). At this point, the SIP endpoint makes another &ldquo;register&rdquo; request. Getting another &ldquo;401 unauthorized&rdquo; indicates a configuration issue or that the username and password are incorrect. The registration will not be successful until the registrar server obtains the proper parameters and has the SIP AOR on file&mdash;only then will VoIP calls be available.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>A Successful SIP Register</h3>

<p>In a successful SIP register example, the initial response to a register would also be &ldquo;401 unauthorized.&rdquo; The reason for this is that the SIP registrar server requires more information about the SIP endpoint. That is when the endpoint sends another &ldquo;register&rdquo; message. The response, in this case, would now be &ldquo;200 OK.&rdquo; This indicates that the SIP registration is a success and the phone number can support&nbsp;<a href="https://dexatel.com/glossary/voice-termination/">VoIP termination</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>SIP Registration With Dexatel</h2>

<p>As a mobile communications provider,&nbsp;Dexatel offers a VoIP service that includes voice calls, flash calls, and application-to-person calls. This service is supported by a SIP, allowing businesses to carry out flexible, convenient, and cost-efficient communications on both internal and external fronts. This form of technology is similar to the SMPP (short message peer-to-peer) protocol for SMS, which enables users to communicate via&nbsp;<a href="https://dexatel.com/blog/sms-over-wifi/">SMS over the internet</a>.</p>


A Session Initiation Protocol or SIP registration refers to the process of linking an endpoint device (an IP phone) with a service provider’s network (a contact address). 

SIP registration allows businesses to use Voice over IP as a more flexible and cost-efficient alternative to a public switched telephone network services.

SIP registration is the process of sending a register request to a SIP registrar server which then stores the registration data in the location server.

What is SIP Registration? - Dexatel Glossary

SIP Registration?

SIP Registration

<p>It tells the sender if the text reached the recipient&#39;s phone, if it&#39;s still pending, or if it didn&#39;t go through. A <a href="https://dexatel.com/blog/text-messages-delayed/">message that is delayed</a>, for example, is likely in progress with the mobile network operator. It&rsquo;s also possible that the delivery is stalling due to network issues or a lack of signal on the recipient&#39;s side. If a delivery fails, it&#39;s likely because the operator&#39;s spam filter blocked the message or the recipient&#39;s number is not valid.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also known as a delivery receipt, a DLR is essential for senders as it ensures accountability for messages and enables progress tracking. This helps in monitoring the effectiveness of texting campaigns and making sure important messages reach their intended destinations.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>How Does Delivery Reporting Work?</h2>

<p>Delivery reporting uses a combination of technical protocols and mechanisms to monitor the status of a text message as it makes its way to the recipient.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Network Confirmation</h3>

<p>As the text messages travel through the mobile network, the DLR feature generates status updates at various points. These updates provide information about whether the delivery is successful, still pending, or failed because of an issue.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Recipient&rsquo;s Device</h3>

<p>Once the message reaches the recipient&rsquo;s mobile device, the system often generates a final delivery confirmation. This confirmation travels back through the mobile network and the sender&rsquo;s texting platform.</p>

<h3>Reporting to Sender</h3>

<p>The system relays the delivery status information to the sender. This often happens in real-time, instantly informing the sender whether the message has succeeded or failed to reach its destination.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Display to the User</h3>

<p>In the case of SMS or <a href="https://dexatel.com/blog/instant-messaging-for-businesses/">instant messaging apps</a>, certain platforms will also show delivery status indicators to the user. This can be a simple checkmark to confirm that the delivery is successful.</p>

<h2>Why Is Delivery Reporting Important?</h2>

<h3>Confirming Message Delivery</h3>

<p><a href="https://dexatel.com/blog/delivery-report-for-text-messages/">Delivery reports</a> play a major role in making sure that the message reaches its intended recipients. They offer confirmation in real-time so that senders can spot any delays or failures in delivery. This is crucial for critical or time-sensitive messages that require immediate attention.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Tracking Network Performance</h3>

<p>DLR reports provide valuable insights into the performance of mobile networks and the reliability of mobile channels. By monitoring successful, delayed, or failed deliveries, businesses can pinpoint potential problems with service providers or within their network infrastructure. This information helps to enhance network performance, boost the efficiency of message transmission, and minimize disruptions in communication.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Compliance and Record-Keeping</h3>

<p>In industries where compliance with regulations and record-keeping are essential, DLRs offer a documented trail of message transmissions. This ensures that businesses can prove their adherence to industry-specific requirements, which is paramount in sectors like finance and healthcare.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Challenges in Delivery Reporting</h2>

<h3>Network Issues</h3>

<p>Delivery reports are heavily reliant on the functioning of communication networks. Network issues can therefore pose a major challenge. Any downtime, congestion, or technical issues with the network infrastructure can cause delays in the generation and transmission of DLR reports. This can ultimately lead to incomplete or inaccurate information about message delivery, compromising reliability.</p>

<h3>Delayed Reports</h3>

<p>Delays in delivery reports can happen for a variety of reasons. The recipient&rsquo;s mobile phone can sometimes be offline, unreachable, or switched off, causing a delay in the message delivery confirmation. This can pose an issue for companies that depend on real-time information for making decisions or engaging customers.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Inaccurate Reporting</h3>

<p>Accuracy is key in delivery reporting since it has a direct effect on the reliability of message transmission. Factors that are beyond the messaging platform&rsquo;s control can result in inaccurate reporting. It&rsquo;s crucial to differentiate between successful, pending, and failed deliveries. Any misleading or inconsistent reports can lead to misunderstandings or wrong decisions.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Technical Glitches</h3>

<p>Technical glitches in network infrastructure, communication platforms, or even recipients&rsquo; devices can cause problems in delivery reporting. For example, a message that failed delivery can be labeled as successfully delivered, or vice versa. This can create confusion for both the sender and the recipient. To prevent such glitches, it&rsquo;s vital to ensure that the systems involved are stable and functional.</p>

<h2>Delivery Reporting Best Practices</h2>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p><strong>Implementing a robust SMS gateway: </strong>Use a solid SMS gateway for smooth and timely transmission of messages and delivery reports</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><strong>Utilizing reliable telecommunication channels: </strong>Choose a reliable <a href="https://dexatel.com/blog/business-messaging/">business messaging</a> platform to reduce the risk of network issues and delays in DLRs</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><strong>Regularly monitoring DLRs: </strong>Consistently monitor and analyze DLRs to identify and address delivery issues</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><strong>Employing automated systems for analysis: </strong>Leverage automation to analyze large amounts of data, spot trends, identify problems, and make decisions based on data</p>
	</li>
</ul>


In the context of text messaging services, delivery reporting (DLR) is a feature that offers real-time feedback and confirmation about the status of sent messages.  

Delivery reporting (DLR) is a messaging feature that generates and transmits real-time information regarding the status of sent messages.

Delivery reporting is a feature that provides feedback and confirmation about the messages that businesses or individuals send to their contacts. 

What Is Delivery Reporting? - Dexatel Glossary

Delivery Reporting?

Delivery Reporting

<p><a href="https://dexatel.com/blog/sms-meaning/" title="What is SMS?">SMS text messages</a> are sent in 140 8-bit octets at a time. This means GSM-7 encoded messages can support up to&nbsp;<a href="https://dexatel.com/blog/sms-character-limit/" title="What is the SMS Character Limit?">160 characters</a> per text. A septet (7 bits) represents each GSM character in a text message. The ESC (escape code) character chooses the extension set for the &ldquo;basic character extension&rdquo; characters.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Standard SMS Length Using GSM Character</h2>

<p>A standard SMS message can carry up to 160 GSM characters. These characters need to be part of a 7-bit alphabet, which GSM 03.38 defines. This alphabet consists of all the ASCII characters and a few accented ones. Examples include the e with a grave accent (&egrave;) and the n with a tilde (&ntilde;).</p>

<p>Characters beyond this set are considered Unicode, which limits the SMS text length to 70 characters. This is because Unicode characters have different encodings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When the number of characters passes the limit of 70 or 160 characters, the message splits into smaller segments. With standard SMS (GSM SMS), the second segment contains characters 161 to 306, whereas the third includes characters 307 to 459. This is known as&nbsp;<a href="https://dexatel.com/glossary/concatenated-sms/" title="What Is Concatenated SMS?">SMS concatenation</a>.</p>

<p>Unicode messages (international SMS) allow for seven parts, the second one consisting of characters 71 to 134, the third until 201, the fourth until 134, and so on.</p>

<h2>GSM-7 Encoding Characteristics</h2>

<p>Besides being supported on GSM cellular networks, GSM-7 is also required in languages with over 128 symbols. However, implementing local language support involves using shift tables or switching to UCS-2 encoding (16-bit).</p>

<p>As for characters like the circumflex accent and the square bracket, an escape code becomes necessary. This means that in GSM-7 encoded text, it takes two characters to encode extension symbols. That is because the extended GSM character set uses the escape prefix.</p>

<h2>UCS-2 Encoding</h2>

<p>UCS-2 (Universal Coded Character Set) encoding enables a wider range of characters and languages. These include the most common Latin as well as Eastern characters. But this comes at the expense of greater space. UCS-2 is also limited to Basic Multilingual Plane characters.</p>

<p>Because modern programming doesn&rsquo;t offer encoders and decoders for UCS-2 characters, certain mobile phones use UTF-16 (Unicode Transformation Format) instead. iPhones are one example of these devices. This works since characters in UTF-16 and UCS-2 encodings are identical.</p>

<p>When it comes to encoding characters beyond the BMP, like emojis, UTF-16 utilizes surrogate pairs. Decoding these characters results in two valid yet unmapped code points.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Many GSM mobile phones don&rsquo;t have a certain preselection of the UCS-2 encoding. They have 7-bit encoding by default. When users enter a character that&#39;s not available in the GSM-7 character set, the entire message gets reencoded in UCS-2. In this case, the character limit goes down from 160 to 70.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>GSM Alphabet Vs. Unicode Character Set</h2>

<p>GSM and Unicode are the two different encoding character types that can be in an SMS message. Short for Global System for Mobile Communications, GSM enables the use of letters and symbols that can only count as one character in a text. The GSM alphabet set is primarily in the English language and contains Latin characters, digits, and some special characters.</p>

<p>In terms of mobile communication, GSM is the technology that came before&nbsp;<a href="https://dexatel.com/glossary/umts/" title="What Is UMTS?">UMTS</a> (Universal Mobile Telecommunications Service).</p>

<p>Unicode characters are common among different languages and came into existence later than GSM characters. They count as a single character as well but are different in size and complexity. While standard SMS communicates in a universal language, Unicode SMS communicates in local regional languages.</p>

<p>All GSM and Unicode characters use equal amounts of data. The only difference here is that Unicode uses more data for each character. This means fewer Unicode characters can fit in a text message, which explains the 70-character limit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As both Unicode and GSM are encoding standards, the SMS text will either be entirely Unicode or entirely GSM. If you use one character that GSM doesn&#39;t support, the whole message will change to Unicode.</p>

<p>An example of a singular Unicode character is an emoji. Using even one Unicode character switches all the other characters in the text to Unicode.</p>

<h2>National Language Shift Tables</h2>

<p>Shift tables enable access to characters in SMS that are relevant to other languages. The User Data Header of an SMS message allows for selecting shift tables. While a locking shift table specifies the table for the entire text message, a single shift table is for individual characters.</p>

<p>With a shift table, the SMS text can still utilize 7-bit encoding for the characters. But to properly show accented or language-specific characters, a different set can be a better option. This can carry up to 155 characters encoded in 136 octets. The User Data Header uses 4 octets out of 140 to define the usage of the shift table and language code.</p>

<p>With locking and single shift tables together, up to 152 characters are possible. These are encoded in 133 octets (7 octets of User Data Header out of 140).</p>

<p>Shift tables support Spanish, Portuguese, Turkish, Urdu, Hindi, Bengali (and Assamese), Punjabi, Gujarati, Oriya, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam.</p>


The GSM alphabet, or GSM-7, refers to a character encoding standard that packs the most common letters and symbols in various languages into seven bits each for GSM networks.


The GSM alphabet is a character set that packs the most widely used letters and symbols from various languages into 7 bits each for GSM networks.

The GSM alphabet is a character encoding standard that packs frequently used letters and symbols from languages into 7 bits for use on GSM networks. 

What is the GSM Alphabet? - Dexatel Glossary

the GSM Alphabet?

GSM Alphabet

<p>Companies and organizations often utilize these codes for bulk messaging purposes as well as two-way conversations with customers. Unlike 10-digit numbers, customers can&rsquo;t call a 6-digit code as it only supports texting. Short numbers can also consist of 4 or 5 digits in certain cases, depending on the country and other factors.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There are two types of 6-digit&nbsp;dedicated short codes: vanity and random. Vanity short codes are unique numbers that the business gets to choose; for example, 474747. A random 6-digit code, on the other hand, consists of a random set of digits, such as 235689.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>How Do 6-Digit Codes Work?</h2>

<p>Companies and organizations in the United States often obtain 6-digit numbers from the Short Code Registry, previously called the Common Short Code Administration. Businesses get permission from recipients before communicating with them. Then, they use the codes to send and receive text messages.</p>

<p>A common way to obtain customers&rsquo; consent is by having them text a keyword to the short code. For example, a coffee house brand can use the word &ldquo;COFFEE&rdquo; to get more&nbsp;<a href="https://dexatel.com/blog/sms-opt-in/" title="SMS Opt-in Guide">opt-ins</a>. Customers subscribe by texting &ldquo;COFFEE&rdquo; to the company&rsquo;s 6-digit short number. The coffee house can then send marketing campaigns to those who opted in.</p>

<p>Other methods of getting permission include website subscription forms and mobile widgets.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Benefits of 6-Digit Phone Numbers</h2>

<h3>1. Being Easy to Remember</h3>

<p>6-digit short codes are easier to remember than&nbsp;<a href="https://dexatel.com/glossary/10dlc/" title="10 DLC Defined">10-digit phone numbers</a>, boosting customer engagement and brand recognition. This is especially true for vanity codes, which tend to be even more memorable than their random counterparts.</p>

<h3>2. Cost Effectiveness</h3>

<p>As opposed to more traditional methods, sending messages via short numbers allows businesses to reach their audiences more cost-effectively. This situation arises because most SMS platforms offer low texting fees and volume-based discounts.</p>

<h3>3. Enhanced Brand Image</h3>

<p>Using a short code for SMS campaigns instead of a&nbsp;<a href="https://dexatel.com/glossary/long-code/" title="SMS Long Code Defined">long code</a> can help develop an established brand image. Besides boosting brand recognition, it gives the impression that the company employs modern and efficient methods of communication.</p>

<h3>4. Speed and Flexibility</h3>

<p>Random short codes allow for the fast delivery of messages and offer flexibility for innovative text marketing campaigns. Brands can use them to send mass texts and make sure they reach a wide audience as quickly as possible.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>5. Improved Deliverability</h3>

<p>Wireless mobile carriers give priority to messages coming from 6-digit phone numbers. As a result, businesses that make use of these codes enjoy higher delivery rates and enhanced reliability. This also helps guarantee that important messages reach the intended recipient without delay.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Common Use Cases of 6-Digit Short Codes</h2>

<h3>Promotional Messages</h3>

<p>Businesses use 6-digit codes to send promotional texts like flash sales, special offers, company news, product release announcements, and more. Short codes are also ideal for&nbsp;loyalty programs.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Reminders and Confirmations</h3>

<p>Another use case of&nbsp;<a href="https://dexatel.com/blog/sms-short-code/" title="The Ultimate Guide to SMS Short Codes">SMS short codes</a> has to do with appointment reminders and booking confirmations. Dental clinics, beauty salons, and other service-based practices often schedule reminders to go out automatically before the appointment.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Verification</h3>

<p>Using verification codes and&nbsp;two-factor authentication is a common way to help customers securely access their accounts. This involves entering a one-time password, which the business can provide via the SMS short number.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Feedback Requests</h3>

<p>Conducting SMS surveys from a 6-digit number is an effective way to gather customer feedback. Customers can conveniently provide their input, such as a star rating, and businesses can easily analyze the data. While short surveys can be part of the text message itself, an SMS hyperlink is necessary for including long-form questionnaires.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Customer Support</h3>

<p>With&nbsp;<a href="https://dexatel.com/features/two-way-sms/" title="Two-way SMS Service">two-way communication</a> available, companies and organizations can use short numbers to provide assistance to customers. Moreover, integrating an&nbsp;chatbot helps to free up time and resources by automating responses to frequently asked questions.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Emergency Alerts</h3>

<p>Considering the delivery speed that short codes offer, organizations and public services make use of them to deliver emergency messages. These can include extreme weather alerts, public safety announcements, and other urgent information. In turn, recipients can take appropriate action on the spot.</p>

<h2>Businesses That Use 6-Digit Short Code</h2>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p><strong>Retailers</strong>: Retail stores often send discounts, special offers, and other promotional texts to their customers via short numbers</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><strong>Food and beverage industry</strong>: Restaurants use 6-digit short codes to send SMS texts for reservations, combo deals, or new menu items</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><strong>Financial institutions</strong>: Banks and credit unions make use of short codes to deliver transaction alerts, security updates, and account balance notifications</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><strong>Non-profit organizations</strong>: Non-profits reach their audience with fundrsaising campaigns, event announcements, and volunteer opportunities using short numbers</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><strong>Mobile apps and games</strong>: Gaming companies use short codes to share in-game rewards, verification passwords, and app updates</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><strong>Automotive industry</strong>: Car dealerships and manufacturers employ short numbers to schedule test drives, send car service reminders, and promote new models</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><strong>Travel and hospitality</strong>: Short numbers are common among hotels, airlines, and travel agencies for delivering flight updates, confirming reservations, and sharing deals</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><strong>Event promoters</strong>: Using 6-digit short numbers, event organizers and promoters send event details, ticketing information, and promotions for concerts, conventions, and sports</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><strong>eCommerce platforms</strong>: Online retailers make use of short codes to provide order confirmations and shipping updates</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><strong>Healthcare providers</strong>: Healthcare facilities reach out to patients with health tips, appointment reminders, and prescription refill alerts using short codes</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><strong>Transportation and logistics</strong>: Freight forwarding companies and other businesses send delivery updates and package tracking updates</p>
	</li>
</ul>

<h2>How to Get a 6-Digit Code</h2>

<p>The easiest way to obtain a 6-digit short code is through an SMS platform provider. Start by creating an account with a&nbsp;business messaging platform that offers short codes as part of its features. Next, apply for the code by filling out any required forms.</p>

<p>The platform provider will then send the request to the carrier for review and approval. Once the carrier approves the short code, you can start using it to send SMS and MMS messages.</p>

<p>Another method of getting a short number is by applying for one directly from a relevant entity. In the United States, companies and organizations lease dedicated short codes from the Short Code Registry or the Cellular Telephone Industries Association (CTIA). The next step involves registering your brand with cellular providers by submitting paperwork for approval, verification, and safelisting. This prevents your SMS messages from ending up in spam filters.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Compliance and Regulations</h2>

<p>Using 6-digit numbers comes with responsibilities. Businesses must abide by regulations when sending text messages via short codes. This includes being compliant with the CTIA, adhering to regulations like the&nbsp;<a href="https://dexatel.com/glossary/tcpa/" title="What Is the TCPA?">TCPA</a>, and being familiar with carrier-specific rules.&nbsp;</p>

<p>These laws are mainly about obtaining consent from recipients and offering clear-out choices. It&rsquo;s also crucial to take security measures when handling customer information. Consulting legal experts in this field can be helpful for businesses to figure out complicated regulations and use short numbers responsibly. This reduces the risk of legal consequences and helps protect brand reputation.&nbsp;</p>


Also known as short codes, 6-digit numbers are phone numbers created by wireless carriers for brands to use as sender IDs. 

6-digit numbers are short codes from which businesses deliver SMS communications like promotional messages and important updates to audiences.


6-digit numbers refer to short codes that businesses and organizations use to send promotional texts, important updates, and other SMS communications.

What Is a 6-Digit Number? - Dexatel Glossary

a 6-Digit Number?

6-Digit Number

<p>This is a technology that overrides the traditional delivery system. Applications that leverage OTT have gained popularity around the world. This is due to its accessibility to anyone with a smart mobile device and a WiFi connection. Besides personal use, OTT messaging has also become a common communication method for businesses and organizations.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>What Does OTT Mean in Texting?</h2>

<p>In texting and online communication, &quot;OTT&quot; stands for &quot;Over The Top.&quot; It&#39;s often used to describe services or content that are delivered directly to users over the internet. Essentially, they bypass traditional distribution methods like cable or satellite television. The term &quot;OTT text&quot; means that these services are delivered over the top of existing internet connections without the need for specialized infrastructure.</p>

<h2>Benefits of OTT Messaging</h2>

<h3>Cost-Effectiveness&nbsp;</h3>

<p>With OTT instant messengers, users can communicate with their contacts for free or at a much lower cost than SMS.</p>

<h3>Global Reach</h3>

<p>The global user base of OTT messaging platforms allows users to connect with contacts across different countries without incurring international charges.</p>

<h3>End-to-End Encryption</h3>

<p>Most OTT texting apps have end-to-end encryption, which means only the sender and recipient can see the messages.</p>

<h3>Real-Time Conversations</h3>

<p>OTT platforms allow for instant conversations in real-time, making it possible to chat with others regardless of location.</p>

<h3>User-Friendly Interface</h3>

<p>OTT apps are easy to use, often with intuitive navigation and customization options.</p>

<h3>Read Receipts and Typing Indicators&nbsp;</h3>

<p><a href="https://dexatel.com/blog/instant-messaging-for-businesses/" title="Instant Messaging for Businesses: 14 Apps for Your Brand">Instant messaging apps</a> have features that indicate when the recipient sees the message and if they&rsquo;re typing a response.</p>

<h3>Multi-Media Sharing</h3>

<p>Users have the option to share multimedia content, including photos, videos, documents, and audio clips.</p>

<h3>Group Chats</h3>

<p>Group chats are another benefit of OTT messengers, making it easy for business teams to collaborate and share updates.</p>

<h2>Difference Between OTT and SMS Messaging</h2>

<h3>Message Delivery</h3>

<p>Communicating via SMS requires a phone signal. OTT services, on the other hand, rely on an internet connection to send and receive messages and multimedia. And while a phone number is necessary for SMS messaging, that&rsquo;s not always the case with internet-based apps. For example, WhatsApp requires a phone number, whereas Facebook Messenger doesn&rsquo;t.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Reach</h3>

<p>When it comes to global reach, both OTT and SMS generally do well, except for a couple of conditions. SMS users can easily reach international markets if they use a <a href="https://dexatel.com/blog/business-messaging/" title="Business Messaging: What is it and How You Can Use it">business messaging</a>. Otherwise, sending SMS messages abroad comes with restrictions and can be costly.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As for OTT messengers, they are universal, with a total of over three billion users worldwide. The only caveat is that you need the internet for message delivery. And on top of that, the recipient must have the same OTT app installed on their mobile phone.</p>

<p>Moreover, certain instant messengers aren&rsquo;t available in some countries; China, for example, has banned WhatsApp.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>User Experience</h3>

<p>While SMS is the native messaging app on devices, users need to download OTT messaging apps. When it comes to functionality, SMS is rather basic. On the other hand, instant messengers offer features like read receipts, larger file-size capabilities, and advanced customization features.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Content</h3>

<p>With SMS, you&#39;re&nbsp;<a href="https://dexatel.com/blog/sms-character-limit/" title="What is the SMS Character Limit?">limited to 160 characters</a>; you can only&nbsp;<a href="https://dexatel.com/blog/how-to-text-a-gif/" title="How to Text a GIF for Android and iOS Users?">send GIFs</a>, videos, and other media via MMS. Users can send links through SMS, but previews aren&rsquo;t available. Despite the restrictions, SMS is ideal for a variety of communications like alerts, reminders, and confirmations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Viber allow users to send messages that are significantly longer than SMS. There aren&rsquo;t any notable limits, but certain apps have a maximum character length because of technical limitations. In most cases, these limits don&rsquo;t hinder communications at all.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Mass Texting</h3>

<p>The go-to choice for <a href="https://dexatel.com/solutions/mass-text/" title="Mass Texting Service">mass texting is SMS</a>, as long as you opt for a service with security measures. Most top OTT messaging apps&mdash;WhatsApp being one of them&mdash;tend to discourage bulk messaging. However, they come in handy for group chats, as opposed to SMS, which isn&rsquo;t ideal for that purpose.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Privacy and Regulation</h3>

<p>Various privacy and data protection laws govern A2P SMS communications to reduce spam and safeguard consumers&rsquo; personal information. This isn&rsquo;t the case with OTT messaging, which has resulted in a few controversies in the past. But nowadays, most instant messaging services tend to be more transparent about how they handle user data. And although laws like the General Data Protection Regulation don&rsquo;t specifically mention OTT applications, many of the providers prefer to comply with privacy regulations.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Cost</h3>

<p>When it comes to SMS text messaging, users are charged per text sent. In comparison, OTT texting is virtually free as long as the device has an internet connection or mobile data. One exception is when you use the business version of certain OTT apps like&nbsp;<a href="https://dexatel.com/channels/viber/" title="Viber Business Messaging Service">Viber for Business</a>. In this case, a cost per text applies in addition to setup and subscription fees.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Top OTT Instant Messaging Platforms</h2>

<h3>WhatsApp</h3>

<p>WhatsApp is among the most popular OTT platforms in the world. Besides texting capabilities, it also offers group chats, multimedia sharing, voice and video calls, as well as end-to-end encryption. Its user-friendliness, massive user base, and API integration capability make the Meta-owned app quite popular. On top of that, it also has a version for business purposes:&nbsp;<a href="https://dexatel.com/channels/whatsapp/" title="WhatsApp Business API Service">WhatsApp Business</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Viber</h3>

<p>Viber is another OTT messaging platform that provides a range of capabilities like texting, video calling, and group chats. Additional features include GIFs, stickers, and public communities. Conversations on Viber are end-to-end encrypted to ensure user privacy.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Facebook Messenger</h3>

<p>As a part of Facebook&rsquo;s social media platform,&nbsp;<a href="https://dexatel.com/channels/messenger/" title="Facebook Business Messenger Service ">Facebook Messenger</a> lets users communicate with their in-app contacts. Users get access to a range of functions like texting, group conversations, video calls, payment options, and more.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>WeChat</h3>

<p>Widely used in China, WeChat is a highly versatile app that combines messaging with social networking, mobile payments, and more. It facilitates texting, multimedia sharing, voice calls, video calls, Moments, and services like online shopping and ride-hailing.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Telegram</h3>

<p>Known for its emphasis on privacy and security, Telegram provides various features like self-destructing messages, cloud-based storage, and secret chats with end-to-end encryption. The app supports texting, multimedia, group chats, and channels for broadcasting to massive audiences.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Instagram Direct Messenger</h3>

<p><a href="https://dexatel.com/channels/instagram/" title="Instagram Business Chat Service">Instagram Direct Messenger</a> is the texting feature that&rsquo;s within the Instagram app. It allows for texting and sharing multimedia content with groups or individuals. The feature is integrated into the platform, making it easy to communicate with followers.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Use Cases of OTT Instant Messaging in Business</h2>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p><strong>Promotional messages</strong>: Using apps like WhatsApp and Viber, businesses can send promotional messages like offers and discounts while leveraging multimedia features.</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><strong>Alerts and notifications</strong>: OTT messaging can be useful for sending account alerts, order updates, and other timely notifications.</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><strong>Appointment reminders</strong>: Clinics, beauty salons, banks, and other service-based businesses can use OTT applications to remind patients or customers about their appointments.</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><strong>Sales interactions</strong>: OTT apps make it easy to carry out sales interactions in real time, allowing brands to answer questions and guide shoppers through the buying process.</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><strong>Confirmations</strong>: Delivering reservation details, order confirmations, and booking confirmations via OTT messaging channels helps in building trust with customers.</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><strong>Customer support</strong>: Customers can conveniently reach out to businesses for assistance, troubleshooting, and other matters via WhatsApp, Instagram, or other apps.</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><strong>Two-factor authenticatio</strong>n: OTT platforms often serve as a backup for sending 2FA passcodes in case SMS text delivery fails.</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><strong>Feedback requests</strong>: Channels like Facebook Messenger can be ideal for requesting feedback from customers after a purchase or interaction.</p>
	</li>
</ul>


OTT, or over-the-top, messaging refers to a form of text-based communication that delivers and receives messages using an internet service.


OTT messaging is a communication method that transmits messages via networking apps using an internet connection rather than a phone signal.


Short for over-the-top, OTT messaging is a type of text-based communication that uses an internet connection for sending and receiving messages.