Should I be using a cheap online SMS service?

Whether or not you should use a cheap online SMS service depends on your specific needs and goals. Here are some factors to consider:

  1. Cost: If cost is a major concern, a cheap online SMS service may be a good option. However, it’s important to keep in mind that lower cost may mean lower reliability and slower delivery times, so be sure to research and compare multiple providers to find the best balance of cost and quality.
  2. Volume: If you plan to send a large volume of SMS messages, it’s important to find a provider that can handle your volume without sacrificing reliability or speed. Some cheap online SMS services may have limitations or extra fees for high-volume sending.
  3. Features: Some cheap online SMS services may not offer all the features and customization options you need, such as message scheduling, message tracking, or integrations with other systems. Consider your specific needs and goals when choosing a provider.
  4. Reliability and latency: The reliability and speed of delivery are critical factors to consider when choosing a bulk SMS service. A cheap online SMS service may have lower reliability and slower delivery times, so be sure to research and compare multiple providers to find the best balance of cost and quality.
  5. Customer service and technical support: It’s important to choose a provider that offers good customer service and technical support, in case you encounter any issues with your service. Some cheap online SMS services may have limited support options or longer response times, so be sure to research and compare multiple providers to find the best option for your needs.

By considering these factors and researching multiple providers, you can make an informed decision about whether a cheap online SMS service is the right choice for your business or organization.

 

Cheap Online SMS services

Online SMS is an easy way to send an SMS from a computer without the need for any special software.

It’s just a matter of logging into a website and providing bulk lists via CSV. By simply opening and sending your required text message by a standard email process, the rest is done by the SMS Provider. This makes online text messaging services perfect for organisations wanting to do marketing pitches or for appointment and payment reminders or notifications.

Online providers will manage SMS distribution as well as handle user replies. By documenting the responses to an original message means knowing immediately what is going on, which is valuable for companies wanting immediate answers to matters like staff rostering or appointment reminders. For a fast, efficient solution to an online Email-to-SMS delivery system.

Cheap versus Premium Online SMS Service

In Australia, there are two (2) forms of SMS networks that you can engage. One is termed Premium which means that you can use a top, efficient network system, which large companies like telecommunication companies and banks use this network.  In the case of financial institutions, they use SMS services for internet banking, which requires secure, instantaneous and reliable messaging. A premium charge is paid per SMS text sent through such network systems but you have the guarantee and reliability that your customers will receive the text almost instantly with nearly 100% reliability. Premium SMS providers usually will not deal with businesses that distribute SMS in small volumes per month.

Hybrid is the choice. Many businesses do not require such a type of premium SMS service. They require just a range of online SMS services for their marketing such as reminders that can be distributed in bulk. In such instances, the SMS is received by the user with a possible minimal delay of only a few seconds or minutes and this is viewed as quite acceptable. Then such interested businesses should consider a cheaper form of distribution based simply on price. =Cheap Online SMS services3

Several cheap online SMS providers use overseas network systems or use a lower tier in the Australian network system. It can be shown that sending an SMS using an overseas network system from Australia is surprisingly reliable. The main downside is the slower distribution time which can be less than fifteen minutes but other times longer (dependent on travel distance). The reporting system is still good and is generally reliable even though their response rates may be lower.

What do cheap online SMS providers offer?

Cheap online SMS providers offer low-cost bulk SMS services to businesses and individuals. These services often include features such as:

  • SMS messaging to multiple countries.
  • Custom sender ID.
  • API integration.
  • Web-based platform for sending and receiving messages.
  • Scheduling of SMS messages.
  • Delivery reports and notifications.
  • Large character support.

Based on the SMS Bulk Comparison Table provided, the best value online SMS providers offer a cheap online SMS provider with cost savings compared to traditional mobile carrier SMS plans, as well as the added features and flexibility provided by the platform. This may include:

  • Cheap SMS rates overall.
  • Option of two-way SMS at no extra charge.
  • Real-time status.
  • Message personalisation.
  • Full integration with client’s email.
  • 2-way discussion ability to view sent and received messages.
  • No setup fees, contracts or ongoing fees.
  • Quick Gateway system for fast message delivery.

WholesaleSMS and SMS Broadcast have become relatively significant players in the online SMS Australian market over the past few years. ClickSend is a cloud-based SMS organisation focusing on sending and receiving SMS platforms, email & voice services. They are a Perth-based company and have operated in Australia since 2006.

Cheap Online SMS services3

 

Features of cheap online providers

There are many good features that cheap online SMS providers have to offer.

Firstly, SMS distribution is a two-way communication process. The business needs to recognise that the online SMS system will send a text from a computer to a specific target audience nominated and can receive replies for viewing on the web. This latter part can be forwarded to the business’s specific email address if required. Thereby, the business can receive responses to the message that was originally distributed. This means that the provider can track text messaging from the start on the mobile phone. A recording is an excellent way of measuring the success of the campaign distribution through their analysis via a delivery tracking system.

These online SMS distribution companies outlined do provide high-speed connections to network suppliers for low, medium or high-volume clients that need text messaging to be disseminated promptly.

Another great feature is that many of these online SMS companies investigated to ensure they are anti-SPAM compliant. They have a means of ‘cleaning’ their SMS contact list when imported and reformatted.

As can be seen below in the graphical format, SMS Broadcast has the best rating of all the online SMS distributor competitors. This is followed by ClickSend with similar high-quality features. The other competitors rate lower but should not be excluded from your decision as they too offer a good range of valued features.

Price Comparison of Cheap Online Providers

Cellcast has become a relatively significant player in the online SMS Australian market at the start of 2024.

Comparing the charges of each cheap online SMS provider, the review found that there is a significant difference in charges dependent on the volume of text messaging distributed every month. For the low, medium and significant volumes of SMS texts sent out, Cellcast offered the cheapest rates. The charges were significantly different with a variation of up to 45% in some categories between the cheapest online provider and the most expensive one.

For lower volumes of text messages distributed, Cellcast also offered the cheapest rates.

Reliability of Online Cheap SMS Providers in Australia

With any business, one needs to be reassured that these cheap, online SMS companies are both reliable and reputable when they send online text messages to customers, clients, staff or any groups. You need to be assured that your instructions and content can be scheduled for transmission at any set time, such as reminders for appointments or important dates.

Many of the online SMS providers investigated do have an up-time guarantee of 99% up-time or better as part of their reliability assurance. All five major providers also have good customer service whether it is phone support during business hours, email support, or the option of a free trial to see how the system works.

The reliability chart below shows that three of the major online SMS services are regarded as providing a reliable level when it comes to distributing text messages. SMS Broadcast and ClickSend are considered the most reliable closely followed by Clickatell and TextIt.

About the Cheap Online SMS Australia Comparison Table

The cheap online SMS Australia comparison table has been prepared after extensive reviews and analyses of the features offered by each SMS Provider. The authors have worked with leading SMS Australia providers in the past and understand these businesses extensively. Therefore they have the capability, understanding and knowledge to formulate several features that they consider any business should use to compare providers. The authors wish to ensure you that they have been fair, and unbiased and provided an independent overview of the text messaging services in Australia.

smsTech Website

The comparison table was designed and is now continually reviewed. However, the providers can alter their charges and products without notice. It is advisable to always check prices and features before engaging an online SMS provider. If any information is inaccurate or requires updating, please let the authors of this site and table know. Any changes required will be immediately made.Cheap Online Bulk SMS Services4

The Comparison Table is free to readers. A commission may be requested from the selected SMS provider if you click on their website and then engage their services. Intentionally, no advertising on this site.

This page was last updated on 5 January 2024.

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