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SMS Convergence
SMS Convergence extends the Voice Convergence (FMC) service by enabling SMS messages to be integrated into your communications platform. It allows Service Providers to receive real-time copies of SMS messages and send SMS from their own applications using subscribers’ mobile numbers.
What is SMS Convergence?
SMS Convergence is an optional feature available with eligible Voice Convergence (FMC) offers.
When activated, Transatel sends a copy of eligible incoming and outgoing SMS messages to the Service Provider’s platform in near real time.
The original SMS continues to be delivered normally to the user’s mobile device.
In addition, Service Providers can send SMS from their own applications using the subscriber’s mobile number (MSISDN).
Why use SMS Convergence?
SMS Convergence can support a variety of business use cases:
- Communications recording and compliance requirements
- Multi-device messaging experiences across mobile phones, desktops, tablets, and business applications
- Unified Communications and Fixed-Mobile Convergence solutions
- Enterprise workflows and value-added messaging services
How does SMS Convergence receive SMS records?
Once SMS Convergence is enabled on a SIM:
- The subscriber sends or receives an SMS.
- The original SMS is delivered normally through the mobile network.
- After successful delivery, a copy of the SMS is automatically forwarded to the Service Provider platform through the SMPP interconnection.
- The Service Provider can process, display, archive, or integrate the SMS into its own applications and workflows.
SMS records are generated only after the original SMS has been successfully delivered.
How can users send SMS from an application?
SMS Convergence also allows Service Providers to send Application-Originated (AO) SMS using the subscriber’s mobile number (MSISDN).
- The user sends a message from the Service Provider application.
- The application forwards the SMS to Transatel through the SMPP interconnection.
- Transatel routes and delivers the SMS to the destination mobile number.
- The recipient receives the message as a standard SMS with the subscriber’s mobile number displayed as the sender.
AO SMS can be sent to national and international mobile numbers. Premium-rate numbers, short codes, and fixed-line destinations are not supported.
Which SMS messages are supported?
SMS Convergence supports copies of:
- On-net SMS
- Super On-net SMS
- Extended On-net SMS
- Off-net SMS
- International SMS
- A2P (Application-to-Person) SMS
Which messages are not supported?
The following message types are not copied through SMS Convergence:
- MMS
- RCS (Rich Communication Services)
- OTT messaging applications such as WhatsApp, Telegram, or iMessage
- OTA binary SMS
- Emergency SMS
- AML SMS
- Silent SMS used for service activation
How is the service activated?
SMS Convergence is not enabled by default.
Before the service can be used, the MVNO must subscribe to the SMS Convergence option and establish an SMPP interconnection with Transatel. This interconnection enables the exchange of SMS records and Application-Originated SMS between the Service Provider platform and Transatel’s SMS infrastructure.
Once the SMPP interconnection is operational, SMS Convergence can be activated on a per-subscriber basis. This allows the Service Provider to decide which mobile lines should benefit from the service and to manage activation according to its business or compliance requirements.
The feature can be enabled or disabled through:
- Auriga Subscriber Management Portal
- Connectivity Management API
What happens if the subscriber is unreachable?
If the subscriber’s SIM is temporarily unreachable:
- Transatel stores the original SMS for up to 24 hours and retries delivery.
- The SMS record is only sent to the Service Provider after the original SMS has been successfully delivered.
This mechanism helps prevent duplicate SMS records.
What happens during an SMPP outage?
If the SMPP interconnection between Transatel and the Service Provider is unavailable:
- SMS services continue to operate normally for subscribers.
- SMS records are temporarily queued.
- Once connectivity is restored, queued records are automatically forwarded to the Service Provider platform.
Does Transatel archive SMS messages?
No.
Transatel does not provide SMS archiving services. Service Providers are responsible for storing, retaining, and managing SMS records received through SMS Convergence.
Important regulatory considerations
SMS communications may contain personal or sensitive data. Service Providers remain responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable privacy, telecommunications, and data retention regulations, including GDPR and local legal requirements.
Where required, Service Providers should ensure they have an appropriate legal basis and obtain any necessary subscriber consent before enabling SMS Convergence.