What are SIM farms and why you want to avoid them
Like Google, you may think a SIM farm is an old video game (go ahead, Google it!). But when it comes to SMS messaging, a SIM farm is nothing like a fun and harmless video game. SIM in this context is referring to a subscriber identity module, or SIM card in a mobile device. Every mobile on a GSM network uses one. It contains information about the owner and mobile including number, contact lists, network authorisation.
So imagine a large group of these SIM cards, connected to computer servers rather than in individual mobile devices. Then imagine someone selling SMS services using that set of SIMS and servers to connect to mobile networks. Then you have a SIM farm.
But that doesn’t sound so bad does it? If you’re the one trying to send SMS messages using the farm, it is bad. Here are three reasons why:
The setup is technically inferior – Using a SIM farm as your primary method of sending SMS messages is the same as hiring a bunch of people to send your texts using their mobiles. SIM cards can only handle a small amount of messages at a time, so if you’re sending bulk messages they won’t all go out in a timely fashion. And because the SIM has just a single connection to the mobile network, if the there’s any kind of error in that connection, your message will get lost and never delivered. Without redundancy and an infrastructure built to handle large amounts of messages, SIM farms can’t compete with legitimate SMS providers performance.
They violate network fair usage agreements – In the fine print that no one reads, most networks include wording that prohibit bulk SMS messages being sent from one SIM card. This is because thousands, or even millions, of people share the same network resources. If one person tried to send 100,000 messages at once using a SIM card, it would overload the network and other people’s messages wouldn’t get through. That’s why it’s often referred to as “fair usage” in contracts. It tries to ensure everyone shares the network resources evenly. Good SMS providers handle large message volumes in a variety of ways including throttling message volume and using approved SMS gateways that feed directly to the mobile networks without using the resources allocated to SIMs.
You can be guilty by association – SIM farm is a derogatory term. This is because they are usually connected to organisations that send SMS spam. Mobile networks have taken measures to find and block SIM cards being used by SIM farms. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) conducts raids on SIM farms to shut them down due to the spam complaints they receive. If you’re a legitimate business using a SIM farm that gets shut down by the network or the ICO, you may get caught up in the investigation.
So why do businesses use SIM farms? Mostly because they are cheap. They offer unbelievably cheap per message pricing. But as the saying goes, if it seems too good to be true, then it probably is. There are even more reasons you don’t want to use a SIM farm such as the inability to specify a label number (like a VMN or shortcode). But the three I mentioned above are by far the most important.
But often the businesses that use them know they can send spam through them easily. Until they get caught that is. If you suspect your provider might be a SIM farm, contact them and see if they’ll answer your questions about their SMS gateway. Their response might be all you need to know if they are or they aren’t. Good SMS providers will be willing to explain their services to you in detail. If you’re still in doubt, shop around. Look at more than just prices. Compare services and features to what you have now. Chances are you’ll be able to tell the good from the bad.
Related Articles
How are companies sending all those SMS messages illegally?
3 Reasons Why Enterprises Shouldn’t Build Their Own SMS Gateways
Enterprises are large companies. Sometimes that means they think they should be able to do everything themselves. But when it comes to SMS messaging, building an in-house gateway is more difficult than you might think. Read why finding a good SMS service provider is a better option.
SMS Marketing Compliance and The New GDPR Regulations
As with anything in business, there are rules and regulations that need to be followed. Some of the key ones are laid out in the UK Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulation (PECR) - and while this can seem like a daunting document at first, it doesn't need to be...
SMS Marketing: An Essential Guide to PECR
The PECR Regulations, better known as the Privacy and Electronics Communications (EC Directive) Regulations 2003 are one of the most important pieces of legislation affecting those involved in SMS Marketing. They exist to safeguard the privacy and use of personal information when used for direct marketing through electronic means, including communications by SMS. Parts of it crossover with the Data Protection Act 1998 (DPA) and where it does so, both pieces of legislation should be complied with. Unlike the DPA, the PECR is obligatory whether or not you process personal data in the course of your business. Read this essential guide to PECR for SMS Marketing to ensure you know everything you need to know.
3 Compliance Tips for Your Next SMS Marketing Campaign
When conducting an SMS marketing campaign, there are a number of compliance regulations you should be aware of, to ensure that your communications are as effective as possible, without being potentially damaging to your campaign or your business. If you're marketing to a UK market, the UK Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) gives clear guidelines on what falls within the rules. Here we've highlighted some key tips to ensure your next campaign is compliant, based on common questions that arise.
Can You Send Anyone a Text Message?
Can you send SMS messages to whoever you like whenever you like? If that's what you believe read this article which explains what restrictions apply to broadcast messaging, what is the best way to build a permission based SMS marketing list. Understand that and you can safely make a start.
Why Finance Companies Should Excel at SMS Messaging
One of the most interesting use cases for SMS messaging is the financial industry. Just a couple weeks ago I wrote a blog on 7 ways the financial industry can use SMS messaging to communicate with customers. In this blog I'll expand on the topic from a different perspective: personalisation.
Never Use SMS Marketing the Way This Company Did
You’d think a large, multinational company would have all the resources and planning it needed to run an SMS marketing campaign. But that isn’t always the case apparently. Find out the big mistake this one company made and how you can avoid doing the same thing in this blog.
How important is it to run an SMS opt in campaign?
Why SMS Marketing is Superior to Email for Entrepreneurs
As an entrepreneur, it is notoriously difficult to get your message out there. It's even harder to get seen and heard in a meaningful way that doesn't offend people. Email marketing has been the darling of entrepreneurs for years, but it's time for something new. Something that supersedes the email and circumvents the spam folder.