Sending Automated SMS Messages

StackOverflow https://stackoverflow.com/questions/976651

Question

First, we use .net & sql server.

I have a client that is interested in a system that will send SMS messages at scheduled times.

I have never done anything like this except for sending an sms through an email gateway, like 5551234444@vtext.com. But, I don't think that is an option for this as, our database will store the phone number and ignore the provider.

Thanks for any input on tackling this problem.

Was it helpful?

Solution

Easiest way is to use an SMS gateway who provide an API. Check out txtlocal

If you use a provider such as txtlocal you have 2 options - you can either build the scheduling into your system, or you could have a batch process which sends the sms info and the time that you want it to be sent using their API.

OTHER TIPS

I've used Clickatell in the past.

They have a RESTfull API, which means sending as SMS is as easy as constructing a URL with the message and recipient's phone number.

It's not free, obviously, but it's pretty darn cheap.

Well, you either have to use an SMS gateway as you mention, or get a PCI/USB GSM modem like this one which allows you to send texts straight from the server.

Have a look at this link. It gives some great info. Having said that, IMO it is easier to use a gateway (as has already been suggested.)

There is a global email to SMS gateway, that you can use using the format 00+countrycode+mobilenumber@smssturen.com i.e. 00447811111111@smssturen.com, and put the message in the subject line.

It's described in more detail here: http://sites.google.com/site/emailtosmsgateway/

Dan.

https://www.twilio.com/sms/pricing/gb

Twilio are quite cheap too.. similar to clickatell, they also have an API available but their prices appear to be cheaper at 0.04 USD ( 0.025 GBP at todays rate 22/06/2015 ) compared to clickatells cheapest rate of 0.034 GBP.

:)

Here's something that I whipped up that seems to be working well:

    public static void SendSMS(string from, string number, string subject, string message, SmtpClient smtp)
    {
        long.Parse(number);

        List<string> domains = new List<string>(
            "{N}.iws@iwspcs.net,{N}@airtelap.com,{N}@airtelkk.com,{N}@alertas.personal.com.ar,{N}@bplmobile.com,{N}@cingularme.com,{N}@clarotorpedo.com.br,{N}@comcel.com.co,{N}@cwemail.com,{N}@email.uscc.net,{N}@emtelworld.net,{N}@fido.ca,{N}@gocbw.com,{N}@gsm.sunrise.ch,{N}@ideasclaro-ca.com,{N}@iwirelesshometext.com,{N}@message.alltel.com,{N}@messaging.nextel.com,{N}@messaging.sprintpcs.com,{N}@mmode.com,{N}@mms.att.net,{N}@mms.bouyguestelecom.fr,{N}@mms.mymeteor.ie,{N}@mobile.celloneusa.com,{N}@mobiletxt.ca,{N}@movistar.com.co,{N}@msg.acsalaska.com,{N}@msg.gci.net,{N}@msg.globalstarusa.com,{N}@msg.iridium.com,{N}@msg.telus.com,{N}@msgnextel.com.mx,{N}@myboostmobile.com,{N}@myhelio.com,{N}@mymetropcs.com,{N}@page.att.net,{N}@page.nextel.com,{N}@pcs.rogers.com,{N}@qwestmp.com,{N}@sms.co.za,{N}@sms.ctimovil.com.ar,{N}@sms.mobitel.lk,{N}@sms.mycricket.com,{N}@sms.sasktel.com,{N}@sms.tigo.com.co,{N}@sms.t-mobile.at,{N}@text.aql.com,{N}@text.mtsmobility.com,{N}@tmomail.net,{N}@tms.suncom.com,{N}@torpedoemail.com.br,{N}@txt.att.net,{N}@txt.bell.ca,{N}@txt.bellmobility.ca,{N}@utext.com,{N}@vmobile.ca,{N}@vmobl.com,{N}@voda.co.za,{N}@vtext.com,+48{N}@text.plusgsm.pl,297+{N}@mas.aw,977{N}@sms.spicenepal.com,{N}@orange.pl,TwoWay.11{N}@nextel.net.ar,{N}@mmst5.tracfone.com"
            .Replace("{N}", number).Split(','));

        MailMessage mail = new MailMessage();
        mail.From = new MailAddress(from);
        mail.Subject = subject;
        mail.Body = message;
        domains.ForEach(d => mail.Bcc.Add(d)); 

        smtp.Send(mail);
    }

Domains were obtained from here.

Update

Use https://www.twilio.com/.

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