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Tuvalu SMS Best Practices, Compliance, and Features
Tuvalu SMS Market Overview
Locale name:
Tuvalu
ISO code:
TV
Region
Oceania
Mobile country code (MCC)
553
Dialing Code
+688
Market Conditions: Tuvalu's telecommunications landscape is managed exclusively by the Tuvalu Telecommunications Corporation (TTC), which serves as the sole provider of mobile, fixed telephone, and internet services. Mobile phone usage is widespread, with Android devices being more common than iOS. While SMS remains a crucial communication channel, data connectivity allows for OTT messaging apps, though traditional SMS maintains importance for official and business communications.
Key SMS Features and Capabilities in Tuvalu
Tuvalu supports basic SMS functionality with some limitations on advanced features, primarily operating through the TTC network infrastructure.
Two-way SMS Support
Two-way SMS is not supported in Tuvalu for international communications. Local two-way messaging within the TTC network is possible, but international two-way messaging capabilities are restricted.
Concatenated Messages (Segmented SMS)
Support: Yes, concatenated messaging is supported, though availability may vary by sender ID type. Message length rules: Standard SMS length limits apply - 160 characters for GSM-7 encoding, 70 characters for Unicode. Encoding considerations: Both GSM-7 and UCS-2 encodings are supported, with message splitting occurring at different thresholds based on the chosen encoding.
MMS Support
MMS messages are automatically converted to SMS with an embedded URL link. This conversion ensures delivery compatibility while still allowing rich media content to be shared via clickable links.
Recipient Phone Number Compatibility
Number Portability
Number portability is not available in Tuvalu. All mobile numbers remain with their original carrier (TTC), simplifying routing but limiting user flexibility.
Sending SMS to Landlines
Sending SMS to landline numbers is not possible in Tuvalu. Attempts to send messages to landline numbers will result in a 400 response error (code 21614) through the API, with no message delivery and no charges applied.
Compliance and Regulatory Guidelines for SMS in Tuvalu
SMS communications in Tuvalu are governed by the Tuvalu Telecommunications Corporation Act, which establishes the framework for telecommunications services. While specific SMS marketing regulations are limited, businesses must follow general best practices and TTC guidelines for message delivery.
Consent and Opt-In
Explicit Consent Requirements:
Obtain clear, documented opt-in consent before sending any marketing or non-essential messages
Maintain detailed records of when and how consent was obtained
Include clear terms of service and privacy policy references during opt-in
Provide transparent information about message frequency and content type
HELP/STOP and Other Commands
While Tuvalu doesn't mandate specific keywords, implementing standard opt-out mechanisms is considered best practice:
Support universal STOP commands for immediate opt-out
Implement HELP keyword responses with service information
Process opt-out requests in both English and Tuvaluan
Confirm opt-out status with a final confirmation message
Do Not Call / Do Not Disturb Registries
Tuvalu does not maintain an official Do Not Call registry. However, businesses should:
Maintain their own suppression lists of opted-out numbers
Honor opt-out requests immediately and permanently
Document all opt-out requests with timestamps
Regularly clean contact lists to remove inactive or opted-out numbers
Time Zone Sensitivity
Tuvalu operates in UTC+12 timezone. Best practices include:
Sending messages between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM local time
Avoiding messages during religious or cultural observances
Limiting emergency messages outside of business hours
Considering the impact of daylight saving time changes
Phone Numbers Options and SMS Sender Types for in Tuvalu
Alphanumeric Sender ID
Operator network capability: Not supported for pre-registration Registration requirements: Dynamic usage is not supported Sender ID preservation: Information not available for Tuvalu
Long Codes
Domestic vs. International:
Domestic long codes are supported by operator networks
International long codes have limited support
Twilio does not currently support domestic long codes
Sender ID preservation: Varies by carrier and message type Provisioning time: Standard setup time applies Use cases: Recommended for transactional and verification messages
Short Codes
Support: Not currently supported in Tuvalu Provisioning time: Not applicable Use cases: Not available for marketing or authentication
Restricted SMS Content, Industries, and Use Cases
Content restrictions align with general telecommunications standards:
Healthcare messages must maintain privacy standards
Content Filtering
Carrier Filtering:
TTC implements basic content filtering
Messages containing restricted content may be blocked
URLs should be from reputable domains
Best Practices to Avoid Filtering:
Avoid excessive punctuation and special characters
Use clear, professional language
Include company name in messages
Maintain consistent sending patterns
Best Practices for Sending SMS in Tuvalu
Messaging Strategy
Keep messages under 160 characters when possible
Include clear call-to-actions
Maintain consistent branding
Use personalization thoughtfully
Sending Frequency and Timing
Limit messages to 2-3 per week maximum
Respect local holidays and customs
Avoid sending during off-hours
Space out messages appropriately
Localization
Support both English and Tuvaluan languages
Consider cultural context in message content
Use appropriate date and time formats
Respect local customs and sensitivities
Opt-Out Management
Process opt-outs within 24 hours
Maintain accurate opt-out records
Provide clear opt-out instructions
Confirm opt-out status to users
Testing and Monitoring
Test messages across different devices
Monitor delivery rates regularly
Track engagement metrics
Analyze opt-out patterns
Adjust strategy based on performance data
SMS API integrations for Tuvalu
Twilio
Twilio provides a straightforward REST API for sending SMS messages to Tuvalu. Authentication requires your Account SID and Auth Token.
import{ Twilio }from'twilio';// Initialize the client with your credentialsconst client =newTwilio(process.env.TWILIO_ACCOUNT_SID, process.env.TWILIO_AUTH_TOKEN);// Function to send SMS to TuvaluasyncfunctionsendSMSToTuvalu(to:string, message:string){try{// Format number to E.164 format for Tuvalu (+688)const formattedNumber = to.startsWith('+688')? to :`+688${to}`;const response =await client.messages.create({ body: message, to: formattedNumber, from: process.env.TWILIO_PHONE_NUMBER,// Optional: Set status callback URL statusCallback:'https://your-domain.com/status-callback'});console.log(`Message sent successfully! SID: ${response.sid}`);return response;}catch(error){console.error('Error sending message:', error);throw error;}}
Sinch
Sinch offers SMS capabilities through their REST API, requiring API Token authentication.