Testing SMS delivery is essential for every SMS aggregator. Regular monitoring and evaluating of the quality and performance of the routes help you to ensure great customer service.
SMS testing tools like Testelium usually check the routes you are using and report if the delivery was really made, analyzing the characteristics and types of aforementioned routes. So, what data can you actually get from SMS delivery testing and how can you put it to use? Let’s contemplate these questions in this article.
What is an SMS delivery report?
An SMS delivery report, also known as the DLR, stays for the message that confirms or refutes the fact of SMS delivery. Delivery reports can be sent by default for any message proceeded in the network, so technically, you can get it without any additional testing software.
So in this case, why would you need any service to run test your deliverability, if it is so simple? The truth is that the current market is compromised by scammers and unreliable service providers who generate thousands of fake SMS delivery reports. So, the report from the mobile network operator may not reflect the actual state of your bulk SMS campaigns.
How do SMS delivery reports work?
SMS delivery report is sent by a short message service center (SMSC) when your initial message is submitted to the carrier. The aforementioned report, unfortunately, also doesn’t grant you any guarantee that the recipient actually received the report. It rather shows that the SMS was successfully sent from the device.
At the same time, unsuccessful SMS delivery may mean the following points:
— the recipient number is out of mobile network reach;
— the mobile device is inactive;
— the recipient number is no longer available;
— the number is invalid or written down in the wrong format;
— the network hasn’t passed the message content;
— and so on.
So, there are a lot of factors in A2P messaging that affect bulk SMS delivery and can sabotage your efforts to build a reliable SMS aggregator. To mitigate these risks, we suggest using SMS delivery testing for two main reasons:
— to run a real check of the delivery and if detect fake DLRs occur on this exact route;
— get the detailed characteristics of the chosen route and determine whether there are any problems that can create difficulties.
Testelium can provide you with the following data easily. Through our SMS delivery testing via SMPP protocol, convenient API, or automated dashboard, you will be able to access valuable info about the routes and put it to use.
What information can you get from the Testelium report?
Through our SMS testing platform, you will get the maximum information about the routes you have chosen to send your text messages. With the info provided by Testelium, you will be able to detect bottlenecks, contemplate and analyze characteristics of the routes and find out if any of the parties in the chain takes advantage of your traffic.
Testelium platform offers the next types of data for you:
— result of the test messages (with SMS delivery statuses: successful, failed, undeliverable, or unroutable): it’s an overall outcome of your test;
— content and sender ID: the platform detects if the message content and your sender ID have suffered from any changes on the vendor or carrier side; if the change has actually happened, you will be able to examine and compare the initial message and final version;
— SMS acceptance: if the message was accepted and handed over to your vendor;
— vendor delivery: if the SMS was delivered by the vendor. If you see that vendor delivery is done successfully, but the final result is marked as failed, then, you have encountered a fake delivery. In case of a real failed delivery, both the final result and vendor delivery will be negative;
— vendor delivery time, device delivery time, and delay: these parameters show respectively when the message reached the vendor, terminal device, and how much time was spent to deliver the message. Usually, the delay shouldn’t surpass the point of fifteen seconds. A longer period may say that there are multiple parties involved, and the route isn’t direct and inclined to cause troubles for you.
5 Ways to Put the SMS Test Results into Practice
The data generated by Testelium is powerful, but it can only become useful if you leverage it for the benefits of your SMS business. Our platform can be a good source of valuable insights, but after that, the ball is in your court.
However, we have gathered the main actions you may take using Testelium’s SMS route testing.
Understand what SMS messages you can send through a certain route
Various routes in various countries may have different characteristics. For example, Some may allow alphanumeric Sender IDs, some don’t. So, if you choose the wrong settings for the messages, your deliveries may fail, while the route is actually working. Test texting will be able to detect the characteristics and choose the correct settings.
Detect routes with fake deliveries and give them up
Fake DLRs are one of the biggest menaces in the A2P SMS market. The problem is significant, as declared high delivery rates may be blank promises which compromise the market itself, as well as SMS businesses that became victims of scammers. By cutting out routes with a significant number of fake delivery reports, you will be able to mitigate the impact of scams on your reputation and profits.
Retain your customers with stable quality of routes
For any message delivery service, high delivery and quality routes are vital for winning customers. With regular testing, you will be able to constantly improve your services, and hence, make it your competitive advantage for current and potential clients.
Evaluate new vendors
If you’re constantly adding new third-party vendors that aren’t carriers, you surely need to evaluate their routes and ensure that they will provide good quality and won’t jeopardize your trust with grey traffic and other controversial methods.
Detect routes replacements
Sometimes, the routes that were brought impressive results, start to drop. The route characteristics may change, for example, it might be an SMSC. With testing, you may detect and gather information on the change and give it to the provider who can figure out the problem.
The Bottom Line
SMS testing is a powerful tool for any SMS business. It is an investment that can bring your services to a new level and determine the most reliable partners. Connect to Testelium and get SMS delivery reports that will help you grow!
