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Sender ID Management

Manage your SMS sender IDs to improve delivery rates and brand recognition for your messaging campaigns.

What is a Sender ID?​

A Sender ID is the name or number that appears as the sender of your SMS messages. It helps recipients identify who sent the message and can significantly improve your delivery rates and brand recognition.

Types of Sender IDs​

Alphanumeric Sender IDs​

  • Format: Up to 11 characters (letters and numbers)
  • Examples: "YourBrand", "ACME Corp", "MyShop123"
  • Benefits: Brand recognition, professional appearance
  • Limitations: Recipients cannot reply directly

Numeric Sender IDs​

  • Format: Phone numbers (short codes or long codes)
  • Examples: "12345", "+254700123456"
  • Benefits: Two-way messaging, higher delivery rates
  • Limitations: Less brand recognition

Shared Short Codes​

  • Format: 5-6 digit numbers shared with other senders
  • Examples: "40404", "12345"
  • Benefits: Cost-effective, quick setup
  • Limitations: Shared reputation, limited customization

Sender ID Registration​

Why Register Sender IDs?​

Improved Delivery Rates​

  • Carrier Approval: Registered IDs have better carrier relationships
  • Spam Prevention: Reduces likelihood of being marked as spam
  • Route Optimization: Access to premium delivery routes
  • Global Reach: Better international delivery

Brand Protection​

  • Exclusive Use: Prevent others from using your brand name
  • Consistent Messaging: Same sender ID across all campaigns
  • Trust Building: Recipients recognize your brand
  • Professional Image: Builds credibility with customers

Registration Process​

Step 1: Choose Your Sender ID​

Consider these factors:

  • Brand Name: Use your company or product name
  • Length: Keep it short and memorable (max 11 characters)
  • Clarity: Avoid confusing characters or numbers
  • Compliance: Follow local regulations and guidelines

Step 2: Submit Registration​

  1. Login to Console: Go to Messaging > Sender IDs
  2. Click Register: Select "Register New Sender ID"
  3. Enter Details:
    • Sender ID name
    • Business information
    • Use case description
    • Target countries
  4. Upload Documents: Business registration, ID documents
  5. Submit Application: Review and submit for approval

Step 3: Verification Process​

  • Document Review: Our team reviews your application
  • Carrier Submission: We submit to relevant carriers
  • Approval Timeline: 3-14 business days depending on country
  • Status Updates: Receive email updates on progress

Required Documentation​

Business Registration​

  • Certificate of Incorporation: Company registration documents
  • Business License: Valid business operating license
  • Tax Registration: Tax identification documents
  • Bank Statements: Recent business bank statements

Identity Verification​

  • Director ID: Government-issued ID of company director
  • Proof of Address: Utility bill or bank statement
  • Authorization Letter: If applying on behalf of company
  • Power of Attorney: For third-party applications

Use Case Documentation​

  • Sample Messages: Examples of messages you'll send
  • Opt-in Process: How customers consent to receive messages
  • Opt-out Mechanism: How customers can unsubscribe
  • Privacy Policy: Link to your privacy policy

Country-Specific Requirements​

Kenya​

  • Regulatory Body: Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK)
  • Registration Required: Yes, for all commercial senders
  • Timeline: 5-7 business days
  • Special Requirements: Local business registration required

South Africa​

  • Regulatory Body: Independent Communications Authority (ICASA)
  • Registration Required: Yes, for bulk SMS
  • Timeline: 7-10 business days
  • Special Requirements: RICA compliance, local presence

Nigeria​

  • Regulatory Body: Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)
  • Registration Required: Yes, for commercial messaging
  • Timeline: 10-14 business days
  • Special Requirements: Local incorporation, NIN verification

Ghana​

  • Regulatory Body: National Communications Authority (NCA)
  • Registration Required: Yes, for commercial use
  • Timeline: 7-10 business days
  • Special Requirements: Business registration, tax clearance

International​

  • Varies by Country: Each country has different requirements
  • Carrier Approval: Direct carrier relationships required
  • Timeline: 14-30 business days
  • Documentation: Extensive documentation may be required

Managing Sender IDs​

Sender ID Dashboard​

Monitor and manage your sender IDs:

  • Status Overview: See approval status of all sender IDs
  • Usage Statistics: Track message volume per sender ID
  • Delivery Reports: Monitor delivery rates and performance
  • Renewal Alerts: Get notified before expiration

Sender ID Status​

Pending​

  • Application Submitted: Under review by our team
  • Carrier Review: Submitted to carriers for approval
  • Additional Info Required: May need more documentation
  • Timeline: Check estimated approval time

Approved​

  • Ready to Use: Can be used for sending messages
  • Full Features: Access to all messaging features
  • Premium Routes: Access to high-quality delivery routes
  • Monitoring: Continuous performance monitoring

Rejected​

  • Common Reasons: Incomplete documentation, policy violations
  • Resubmission: Can resubmit with corrections
  • Alternative Options: Consider different sender ID or approach
  • Support: Contact support for guidance

Suspended​

  • Policy Violation: Sender ID used inappropriately
  • Compliance Issues: Regulatory compliance problems
  • Appeal Process: Can appeal suspension decision
  • Reinstatement: Possible after addressing issues

Sender ID Performance​

Delivery Metrics​

Track key performance indicators:

  • Delivery Rate: Percentage of messages delivered
  • Bounce Rate: Messages that failed to deliver
  • Response Rate: Customer engagement metrics
  • Complaint Rate: Spam complaints and opt-outs

Optimization Tips​

  • Message Content: Avoid spam trigger words
  • Send Times: Optimize for recipient time zones
  • Frequency: Don't overwhelm recipients
  • Segmentation: Target relevant audiences

Best Practices​

Sender ID Selection​

  • Keep it Short: Maximum 11 characters for alphanumeric
  • Make it Clear: Recipients should recognize your brand
  • Avoid Numbers: Unless necessary for functionality
  • Test Variations: Try different versions if needed

Message Content​

  • Clear Purpose: Make the message purpose obvious
  • Include Opt-out: Always provide unsubscribe option
  • Avoid Spam Words: Don't use excessive caps or spam terms
  • Personalization: Use recipient names when possible

Compliance​

  • Consent Required: Only message opted-in recipients
  • Honor Opt-outs: Process unsubscribe requests immediately
  • Time Restrictions: Respect quiet hours and time zones
  • Record Keeping: Maintain consent and opt-out records

Brand Consistency​

  • Single Sender ID: Use same ID across campaigns
  • Message Tone: Maintain consistent brand voice
  • Visual Identity: Align with other brand communications
  • Customer Experience: Ensure seamless experience

API Integration​

Sender ID Management API​

List Sender IDs​

curl -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
  https://api.lineserve.com/v1/messaging/sender-ids

Register New Sender ID​

curl -X POST -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "sender_id": "YourBrand",
    "type": "alphanumeric",
    "countries": ["KE", "UG", "TZ"],
    "use_case": "Marketing and notifications",
    "business_name": "Your Company Ltd"
  }' \
  https://api.lineserve.com/v1/messaging/sender-ids

Check Registration Status​

curl -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
  https://api.lineserve.com/v1/messaging/sender-ids/{sender_id}

Using Sender IDs in Messages​

SMS API with Sender ID​

curl -X POST -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "to": "+254700123456",
    "message": "Hello from YourBrand! Your order is ready.",
    "from": "YourBrand"
  }' \
  https://api.lineserve.com/v1/sms/send

Bulk SMS with Sender ID​

curl -X POST -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "recipients": ["+254700123456", "+254700123457"],
    "message": "Special offer from YourBrand!",
    "from": "YourBrand",
    "campaign_name": "Monthly Promotion"
  }' \
  https://api.lineserve.com/v1/sms/bulk

CLI Commands​

Sender ID Management​

# List all sender IDs
lineserve messaging sender-ids list

# Register new sender ID
lineserve messaging sender-ids register \
  --name "YourBrand" \
  --type alphanumeric \
  --countries KE,UG,TZ \
  --use-case "Marketing messages"

# Check status
lineserve messaging sender-ids status YourBrand

# Send SMS with sender ID
lineserve sms send \
  --to +254700123456 \
  --message "Hello from YourBrand!" \
  --from YourBrand

Troubleshooting​

Common Issues​

Registration Delays​

  • Incomplete Documentation: Ensure all required documents are provided
  • Carrier Delays: Some carriers take longer to approve
  • Holiday Periods: Approvals may be delayed during holidays
  • Follow Up: Contact support if delays exceed expected timeline

Delivery Issues​

  • Sender ID Not Approved: Verify sender ID is approved in target country
  • Content Filtering: Check for spam trigger words
  • Carrier Blocking: Some carriers may block certain content
  • Route Issues: May need alternative delivery routes

Rejection Reasons​

  • Invalid Documentation: Ensure documents are clear and valid
  • Policy Violations: Review acceptable use policy
  • Existing Registration: Sender ID may already be registered
  • Regulatory Issues: May not comply with local regulations

Getting Help​

  • Support Email: messaging@lineserve.com
  • Live Chat: Available in web console
  • Phone Support: +254 700 123 456
  • Documentation: Comprehensive sender ID guides

Pricing​

Registration Fees​

  • Local Sender IDs: $50-100 per sender ID per country
  • International Sender IDs: $100-200 per sender ID per country
  • Shared Short Codes: $25-50 per month
  • Dedicated Short Codes: $500-1000 per month

Maintenance Fees​

  • Annual Renewal: Required for most sender IDs
  • Compliance Monitoring: Ongoing compliance checks
  • Performance Optimization: Route optimization and monitoring
  • Support: Dedicated sender ID support

Next Steps​