Sender ID
The sender ID parameter is used to specify the sender ID of the SMS message. A sender ID can be in the form of a number, a word, or a combination of both. By default, you can send a message from the mobile number you registered your account with. If you wish to send messages from other numbers or names, you will be required to register them.
Types of sender IDs
- A sender ID consisting of numbers only is referred to as a ‘numeric’ sender ID, for example:
0825551234. - If a sender ID includes a non-numeric character (e.g. the letter ‘A’), it is referred to as an ‘alpha-numeric’ sender ID, for example:
1800House
If the recipient replies to the SMS and you’ve set the sender ID as your own mobile number (e.g. 27825551234), the reply will be sent to your mobile phone.
GSM standards
Clickatell and most mobile networks adhere to the following GSM standards to determine the make-up of a sender ID:
- Valid characters: A-Z a-z 0-9
- A numeric sender ID can be a maximum length of 16 digits
- An alpha-numeric sender ID can be a maximum length of 11 characters
Before a sender ID can be used, it must be registered in your Developers’ Central account. A registered sender ID will adhere to GSM standards and be available for use. Certain carriers may not support numeric or alphanumeric sender IDs.
Note: Certain carriers may not support numeric or alphanumeric sender IDs. If not supported, your customer sender ID will be replaced with a ‘carrier default’ sender ID.
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