How do you choose an SMS provider?

The price per message is the easiest to compare and says the least. Six other things determine whether you stay satisfied.

1. The routes

Direct operator connections deliver better than routes running through intermediaries. Ask about it, and test on your own numbers.

2. Delivery reports

Do you get a status per message? Without that you are flying blind at the first problem.

3. Where the data sits

With personal data, the location of servers and logs is a question you will get during an audit anyway.

4. Receiving replies

Perhaps not needed now, usually needed within a year. Check whether it is possible without switching platform.

5. The integration

Is there an API with readable documentation, and a route without development work for the simple cases?

6. Who you speak to when something breaks

This is the point that only counts on the day a destination stops delivering. Test it before you sign: send a question and see how long it takes and who answers.