FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ABOUT
OUR SMS MESSAGING (GROUP SMS) SOFTWARE
All the information you need to begin your SMS text messaging campaign today!
- What is a text message (SMS)?
- What is a short code?
- What is a Keyword and how do Keywords work?
- Can I have any Keyword I want? Are there any limitations?
- Do you charge any fees? Am I required to sign a monthly contract?
- How much do text messages cost to send using InterCon Mobile’s SMS messaging software?
- What do I need to use InterCon Mobile’s group SMS software?
- How long does it take to get started?
- Do I need to posses any technical knowledge/skills?
- How many characters can I include in a text message?
- How long does it take to deliver a text message?
- How do I add my contacts?
- Can I send a single text message?
- Can I use my InterCon Mobile account to send group / bulk text messages?
- Does InterCon Mobile’s SMS messaging software limit me to a certain number of text messages?
- Do you charge for incoming text messages?
- Do I pay for text messages that my recipients do not receive?
- Why didn’t some of my contacts receive the text message I sent?
- Can you guarantee delivery of every text message?
- Can you forward incoming texts to my email address for free?
- Can you forward incoming texts to my personal mobile phone?
- Can I receive replies to the group text messages I send?
- Are there rules as to how I can promote my Keyword online or in print?
- How do I purchase Credits/Messages?
- How long may I save my purchased Credits?
- Can I collect mobile phone numbers on my Website?
- Where does InterCon Mobile’s group SMS software work?
- Can my phone receive text messages?
- What is the advantage of using text messaging for marketing/communications?
- Does my carrier (or my contact's carrier) charge for received messages?
- I own a website and would like to provide text messaging services.
- Where is my data stored? How do you protect my data?
- Who owns my data?
- Will you send advertisements via text messages to my contacts?
- Is my list of contacts secure? How do you protect my privacy?
- Why do you ask me for my phone number when I register?
- Do I need to know the provider of my contacts?
SMS stands for Short Message Service, and it is synonymous with text message, Text, TXT, etc. SMS is a short message, which can be sent to and from a cellular phone.
A Short Code is a 5 or 6 digit number to which text messages can be sent from a mobile phone.. Common short codes are easy to remember and compatible across all participating carriers.
What is a Keyword and how do they work?
A Keyword is a unique term (letters and/or numbers) people can use to text you via a short code. In our case the short code is 313131. For example, if you purchase the Keyword ‘mobile’, the keyword will be integrated into our Shared Short Code 313131. Your friends and customers can then send a text message containing the Keyword “mobile” to 313131 to automatically join your Group Messaging list. Our software will respond to them for you, with a customizable message, confirming they have joined (Opted-In) to your Group SMS list. InterCon Mobile’s keyword search tool enables you to check the availability of keywords.
Can I purchase any Keyword I want?
As long as the Keyword you want is available, you can register it through your account panel. You can use any combination of letters and numbers.
Does InterCon Mobile charge any fees? Are contracts required?
InterCon Mobile will never charge you any fees, or require you to sign a contract. When you open an InterCon Mobile account it is set to The No Plan, Plan. Once you use up your 10 free credits placed in your account, you can purchase additional credits at any time… any time, any amount. In addition to our No Plan, Plan, we offer monthly plans, which include discounted messages and Keywords. Please refer to our PRICING PLANS for complete details.
How much do text messages cost to send using InterCon Mobile’s SMS Messaging Software?
Text message pricing ranges from 3.5 cents to 7 cents per message depending on the plan (or no plan) you select. We DO NOT charge for incoming text messages. Please refer to our PRICING PLANS for complete details.
What do I need to use InterCon Mobile’s Group SMS Software?
All you need is a computer and an Internet connection. Our software is completely Web-based, so there is nothing to download. You can use a PC, Mac, or any other computer because InterCon Mobile will work on any system.
How long does it take to get started?
If you register now, you will be ready to go in less than five minutes. We provide you with ten credits (text messages) to try our software. There are no up-front fees, and you are not required to provide a credit card until you decide to purchase credits.
Do I need any technical knowledge/skills?
Absolutely none! InterCon Mobile Group SMS Text Messaging software is designed to be simple. If you have any problems just contact support and we will assist you.
How many characters can I include in a text message?
A standard text message is limited to 160 characters. Characters means letters, numbers, spaces, symbols and punctuation.
How long does it take to deliver a text message?
Text messages are typically delivered to mobile phones in just a few seconds. During peak hours, there could be a short delay. Please note delays may occur if a recipient's phone is turned off or out of the coverage area. If this happens, a carrier will attempt to deliver your message for up to 72 hours.
You can add your contacts in three way: As an excel file, as a CSV file, or as a text file.
Can I send a single text message?
Yes. All you have to do is, instead of selecting a group of contacts, enter a single telephone number when you compose your message.
Can I send group / bulk text messages?
Yes! That is exactly what your InterCon Mobile account is for. Our system enables you to create and sort your contacts into lists to send Group/Bulk messages easily and quickly.
Does InterCon Mobile’s SMS messaging software limit me to a certain number of text messages?
No. As long as you do not violate our Anti-Spam Policy you may send as many text messages as you pay for.
Do you charge for incoming text messages?
No. We do not charge for incoming text messages.
Do I pay for text messages my recipients do not receive?
Yes. We charge you one every time our system sends a text message on your behalf since we are charged every time we pass your text message through our SMS Gateway.
Why didn’t some of my contacts receive the text message I sent?
Please ensure the recipient has text messaging enabled with his/her carrier. If your recipient uses a pre-paid mobile phone service, his/her balance may be too low if they pay for incoming text messages. Other reasons included but are not limited to: their memory is full, they are out of the network, or a number was included incorrectly.
Can you guarantee delivery of every text message?
No. Text messaging is a store-and-forward technology and thus is dependent on carriers and their networks. It is therefore impossible to guarantee delivery..
Can you forward incoming texts to my email address for free?
Yes! Unlike many of our competitors, we do not charge a fee to forward incoming text messages to your email address.
Can you forward a text message to my personal mobile phone?
Forwarded messages to your cellular phone costs 1 credit per message forwarded.
Can I receive replies to the group text messages I send?
Yes. They will be delivered to your Ez Texting inbox. If you like, you can have us forward your replies to your cell phone or your email address.
Are there rules as to how I can promote my Keyword online or in print?
According to carrier guidelines you must include the following:
- Msg &data rates may apply
- Frequency (ex: Max 2 messages per week)
- Opt out instructions (ex: To unsubscribe text STOP {KEYWORD} to 313131)
- Carriers supported: Alltel, AT&T, Boost Mobile, Cellular One, Cellular South, Cincinnati Bell, Cricket, MetroPCS, Nextel, Sprint, T-Mobile, US Cellular, Verizon Wireless, Virgin
How do I purchase Credits/Messages?
If you are logged into the system, simply click the link labeled "Buy More Credits." You will be taken to our secure payment server and will be asked to complete a short form. Your payment will be processed and the credits will be added to your account instantaneously. We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.
How long can I save my purchased Credits?
Purchased credits never expire. If you are on a monthly plan, your credits reset at the end of each billing period.
Can I collect mobile phone numbers on my Website?
Yes. We provide you with an HTML signup widget you can place on your website, Facebook page, and Email Blasts.
Where Does InterCon Mobile’s Group SMS Software Work?
InterCon Mobile works in the United States (including Alaska and Hawaii).
Can my phone receive text messages?
Nearly all phones purchased in the last ten years are capable of sending and receiving text messages.
What is the advantage of using text messaging?
Text messages are a short, highly effective and inexpensive means of communication. Most people carry their cellular phones with them wherever they go, thus you can reach customers anytime, anywhere.
Does my carrier (or my contact's carrier) charge for received messages?
Every carrier offers different text messaging packages.
I own a Website and I would like to provide text messaging services.
InterCon Mobile offers solutions to all of your text messaging needs through our API.
Where is my data stored? How do you protect my data?
When you create an account we store your information on our secure database server. No one has access to your data (personal information and your contacts). If you would opt share the data, you may choose to provide them with your login information.
Our database server is co-located at a data center that is secured via multiple perimeter access systems and fire-proof heavy-duty doors. The data center is equipped with 24x7x365 live video surveillance and multiple level independent fire-suppression systems. The data center is staffed 24x7x365.
You own your data… period!
Will you send advertisements via text message to my contacts?
No. We will never send messages (including advertising) to your contacts.
Is my list of contacts secure? How do you protect my privacy?
Your information is completely confidential. We will NOT share, rent, or sell client contacts with any third parties. Data entered in your account belongs to you, and you alone.
Why do you ask me for my phone number when I register?
We require this information for security reasons. It is necessary for us to confirm that you are who you say you are, and that the number you provide is in fact your own.
Do I need to know the provider of my contacts?
No. Our software will automatically determine your contact’s providers once you enter the contact into the system.
