What is a sender ID?
A sender ID identifies the sender of an SMS. An approved alphanumeric sender shows a business name, helping customers recognise the source. Use the agreed name and registration for your destination and carrier.
A name-based sender is not automatically a reply-enabled number. If your message asks the customer to respond, specify a reply route that actually works.
What is two-way SMS?
Two-way SMS allows the recipient to send a reply through a supported number or shortcode route. A shortcode is a short number used for messaging. Shared and dedicated options have different setup and commercial arrangements.
GoDesk’s campaign reply routing requires a suitable gateway. Agree the sender route, inbound message handling and team queue before launch. Route availability and approval depend on the market and carrier.
Questions to answer before ordering
- Do customers only need an update, or do you need their replies?
- Which countries and mobile networks must be supported?
- What sender name or number will they see?
- Are registration, setup or recurring sender charges involved?
- Who monitors incoming messages, and during which hours?
- What alternative contact route should a notification include?
For example, a service update can include the business’s support number. A reply-enabled confirmation needs a tested inbound route and a team process for handling the answer.
Further reading
For an explanation of the distinction between a branded sender and a shortcode reply route, see Africa’s Talking’s SMS API introduction. Your actual GoDesk sender setup is agreed separately.