Lineserve

There are two primary methods for sending bulk SMS messages through Safaricom:

Direct Connection to Safaricom:

• To send messages directly through Safaricom’s servers, you must be registered as a PRSP (Premium Rate Services Provider), which involves meeting Safaricom’s complex requirements and obtaining a license from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA).
• This approach necessitates familiarity with SMPP (Short Message Peer-to-Peer Protocol) and the establishment of a VPN (Virtual Private Network) for the SMPP connection. You might need to develop custom messaging software or adapt an existing solution to your needs, requiring expertise in SMPP, VPN, and networking technologies.
• Connecting directly to Safaricom’s network involves complying with Safaricom’s PRSP registration requirements, including contract signing and NDAs, VPN setup, and more.
• Additionally, CA licensing, as of the time of writing, costs KES100,000 + VAT, with detailed requirements available on the CA website.
• Safaricom offers bulk SMS bundles starting at KES25,000 for 25,000 messages (1 shilling per message) valid for 60 days. Prices decrease with higher volumes, but messages must be used within the 60-day validity period.
• For messaging other networks like Airtel or Telkom Kenya, a similar setup process and requirements apply.

Advantages of Direct Connection to Safaricom:

• Supports very high message volumes limited only by your capacity to send them.
• Cost-effective for high volumes.
• Enhanced privacy, as messages are visible only to you, Safaricom (subject to data sharing agreements), and recipients.

Disadvantages of Direct Connection to Safaricom:

• High initial setup costs.
• Complex licensing requirements.
• Requires advanced technical knowledge for setup and management.
• High volume requirements, making it expensive for low-volume users.
• Messages expire after 60 days.
• Requires separate setups for other networks.

Connection via a Third Party:

• If you lack the technical expertise or budget for direct integration, using a third-party provider is a more accessible option. These providers offer various services, from basic APIs to messaging dashboards and reporting tools.
• Third-party providers often support multiple networks and handle integration complexities for you. They typically offer flexibility in purchasing smaller message quantities without message expiry concerns.
• Third-party providers can manage alphanumeric sender ID registration across multiple networks, improving message sender identification.

Advantages of Connection via a Third Party:

• Messages do not expire; you can keep them for as long as needed.
• Network agnostic; not limited to Safaricom.
• Access to a dashboard for message management.
• Lower setup fees.

Additional Advantages of Lineserve SMS:

• User-friendly dashboard.
• Comprehensive documentation and user guides.
• Low or zero setup fees.
• Personalization options for messages.
• Integration with various services.
• Advanced reporting capabilities.
• Automatic contact management.
• Affordable messaging rates within Kenya.
• REST API for customization.
• Support for multiple African countries.

Disadvantages of Connection via a Third Party:

• May not be suitable for extremely high-volume scenarios.
• Reduced privacy due to a third party’s access to your messages (though strong access control and encryption measures can mitigate this).

Why You Can’t Use SMS Bundles on Your Line for Bulk SMS:

• Safaricom’s SMS bundles are not intended for marketing use, and misuse may result in service restrictions.
• Personalizing messages to individual recipients is limited, requiring one-by-one message sending.