Connecting to our gateway via FTP Connecting for one-off, high-volume dispatches.
FTP connection is well suited for one-off, high volume message dispatches. It's particularly
useful for batch processing from legacy systems. All you do is upload to our FTP server, and
your messages are sent instantly. Clickatell creates a history log file in your FTP
folder with the status details of all messages sent.
What you can do when you connect via FTP:
Like all our APIs, the FTP connection supports text, Unicode, binary SMS and flash messaging.
It gives you support for extended length messages.
You're able to use our converters to turn ringtones and logos into the correct format.
You can use our VCard and VCal converters.
Delivery acknowledgement and sender ID can be set up.
You will have access to gateway escalation which prompts an escalation to an alternative delivery gateway, should the message be delayed for a predefined length of time, and queuing which lets you specify up to 3 prioritised queues according to which your messages will be sent out.
Delivery delay gives you the ability to specify a delay of up to 7 days when sending messages.
You can set up batch sending and two-way messaging.
There's no charge to connect to our gateway using the FTP API. To send and receive messages via the gateway you need simply to purchase message credits. The cost of these varies depending on the volume purchased and the destination you intend sending to.
We have a convenient calculator to help you calculate your message costs.
Free trial:
Sign up and we'll give you 10 free message credits which you can use to test the connection.
Log into your account, go to Manage My Products, and then into the FTP section, and set up your FTP login and password. (These are different from your Clickatell account login and password).
Have the number you wish to send to ready in international format e.g. 448311234567.
Prepare the message you want to send by creating a text file in this format:
api_id:xxxxx
user:xxxxx
password:xxxxx
to: 448311234567
text: This is my first ftp to SMS message
Type ftp://ftpupload.clickatell.com into the address line of your web browser.
When prompted, enter your FTP login and password. This will give you access to your FTP folder.
Copy your text file into this folder. Your message will be sent immediately.
SMS Scripts
