So why can I not have Global 2-way messaging? Or can I?
It seems that almost everyone has realised that the mobile phone is the most powerful tool to reach the consumer in the 21st century. Everyone has great ideas for mobile messaging and SMS, but for some reason nobody seems able to provide a viable solution for single number global 2-way messaging.
The practical advantages to receiving SMS are endless but the key challenges are taking the consumer into account and making it as easy as possible at the lowest cost. (Not forgetting that the marketing team also wants to ensure that the brand is being built around a single number, much like ‘911’ in the USA.) Strangely enough, nobody seems to have managed to channel global 2-way messages through a single number. But is this possible?
To clear up the confusion around this issue: Global SMS, Yes. A single global number, No. It is possible to receive inbound messages from almost anywhere in the world, but not through a single number. The main reasons for this are the complexity of the commercial relationships between mobile network operators (cell phone networks) and the different numbering systems used by different countries. Allocating a single number in all countries will require country regulators to use a common numbering plan. As an example, in one country 32xxx is allocated to a shortcode system, but in the next country this can be a dedicated range of numbers being used for emergency services. Once this problem is solved, each mobile network operator will then still have to adjust their systems to allow for the same complexity of provisioning the same number range.
So what is possible? Option 1 is to sign up a local number in as many countries as possible. There are many companies that can offer a local number valid between 1 and 20 countries. The numbers will not be the same in each country but will allow you to receive SMS from mobile subscribers in all those countries. The main disadvantage is the very high cost and the fact that the setup takes months. This is feasible for companies receiving millions of messages per month. The advantage is that because customers are sending their SMS to a local number, they will only be charged a local SMS fee.
Option 2 is to accept that some customers will have to send a SMS to an international number. With just a few number variations (between 1 and 6) you will be able to receive a SMS from almost anywhere in the world. As an example, with a UK +44xxxxx number, it is possible to receive SMS from Germany. Similarly, with a few ranges (i.e. +44xxxx, +61xxxxx, +27xxxx, etc) you can receive messages from almost anywhere in the world. The key disadvantages are the cost of an international SMS to the local customer and the administration required when using four or so different numbers. The advantage of having fewer numbers far outweighs these disadvantages. This service is available immediately (through companies such as Clickatell and offers you the ability to receive SMS from almost anywhere in the world with a very low setup cost. It becomes possible for you to offer a global 2-way solution at a very reasonable cost. While others still explore the myth of a single global number, rather get your show on the road and your services to market.
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