What is the pricing of SMS for Broadcasts
0.015 per segment, minimum $0.50 for each Broadcast send!
SMS messages are billed per segment. Each segment is up to 160 characters OR 70 characters if the message includes an emoji or special character. Longer messages are split into multiple segments, each billed separately.
What is a segment in SMS
A segment is the character batches that phone carriers use to measure text messages. A text message is sent in 140 byte chunks known as message segments.
When Arketa communicates with carriers to send out SMS messages, we send them one segment at a time (this is industry standard)
Why am I being prompted to pay for text messages through Broadcasts
Texting (SMS) can be expensive for several reasons, despite how simple it may seem. There are many costs to handle it at scale, especially when considering carrier fees, infrastructure, compliance, and ensuring reliability.
Carriers' Charges: Companies often pay per SMS sent and received through telecom carriers. These rates can vary depending on the volume of messages, the destination (domestic vs. international), and whether the message is sent via short code or long code (standard phone number).
International Messaging: Sending text messages internationally typically incurs higher costs due to the complexities of routing and agreements between different mobile carriers.
SMS Gateways: Carrier's connect the company’s system to telecom networks and charge fees for using their services.
Opt-in/Opt-out Management: Arketa must ensure that texting campaigns comply with regulations like the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) in the U.S., which requires clear opt-in/opt-out mechanisms. Implementing these systems can be costly.
Arketa allows partners to send an unlimited amount of texts through the Broadcast feature and you will see the total price before sending the SMS for up-front pricing!