FAQs

If you want 2 way messaging, you would need to purchase a Virtual Mobile Number or rent a keyword on our shortcode. You can find more information on each here.

International texts can be sent out – please see our Network Coverage for more information. Some destinations may cost more than one message credit.

1 message can be up to 160 characters long. It is however possible to concatenate multiple messages for longer messages (up to 459 characters). Most handsets will display these as a single message. Longer messages use character spaces to link together, as is standard with SMS technology – so it’s always best to keep an eye on your character and message count.

Yes you can. Within the system you have a Reports function which shows you what messages have been sent to whom and when and the status of the message.

Yes you can. FastSMS has the ability to send out the same message to multiple recipients. You can also personalise each message similar to a “mail merge” operation.

By default the message will be sent immediately. To schedule a message, click the ‘Schedule Send’ button to open a calendar – select a time and date, press Enter and then click Send.

Inbound messages will come into your inbox within the system on the ‘Message Control’ section. You can get these messages forwarded to an email address, mobile phone number or URL link.

There is no limit, you can send as many messages as you like at any one time and they are usually delivered within 10 seconds.

Yes. The message can be seen to be coming from your business by setting your Sender ID to whatever you like – this can be up to 11 alpha-numeric characters long.

Using our Email to SMS service you can send text messages to any phone from within any email client.

There are no set-up costs or ongoing monthly fees, you simply purchase bundles of text credits as you wish.

Any pre-paid Transaction credit purchased or Transaction balance added by a customer on a pay as you go basis shall expire if the Customer has not used the Subscribed Services for 12 months, at which point any account will be closed due to inactivity.

You can sign up for a free account and get 25 credits to try our service. The account is always free as are the 25 credits you get for signing up. There’s no credit card required so you’ll never be charged unless you decide to purchase more credits.

You can purchase more credits by logging into your account and clicking the ‘purchase’ button, or feel free to call us on 0800 954 5305 to top up over the phone.

Each message to a UK mobile number will use 1 text credit. International messages and messages to UK landlines are double credits, but this will be made clear in your account. The more texts you purchase the cheaper they will be – please refer to our price list for more information.

Once your credits have run out, no more messages can be sent until you top up – to stop this from happening you can set a credit reminder level to prompt you by email when credits are getting low.

If your message is undelivered you will still be charged for this – our networks will try and send the message every 10 seconds for up to 24 hours.

When logging into your account, in the top right hand corner it shows you how many text credits you have left.

It doesn’t cost you to receive messages and charges the sender their standard network rate to send.

No software is needed. FastSMS is a web-based application that works through your browser, we also offer an API solution.

By configuring your Virtual Mobile Number you can forward messages to a mobile phone number.

FastSMS has a 99.9% guarantee that messages will be delivered within 10 seconds. In reality virtually all messages arrive in about 6 seconds.

You can run reports from within your account for that day, week, month etc. These can be exported as an Excel spreadsheet.

We can provide you with our API which details everything you need in order to be able to integrate our system with yours. For more detail and sample code please speak to our advisers on 0800 954 5305 or visit our Developer Zone.

Any number of people can access the system at any one time.

You can create templates for your messages – simply write your message then you can click the ‘Messages’ button to save as a template.

As long as you have internet access you can login to the system from anywhere in the world.

Yes, an internet connection is needed in order to access the system.

Our data centres are protected by multiple layers of physical security including fences, gates, biometric access, and manned security 24/7. The servers are also maintained to the latest security standards and are protected behind firewalls. For more information, click here to read about our data centres.

FastSMS is a credit based messaging system whereby 1 credit = a single 160 character SMS message.

Credits cost from as little as 2.1p each when bought in sufficient numbers (even less for very large quantities).

To send to a UK mobile will only ever cost 1 credit.

International sends are double credits.

Our only minimum purchase is 100 credits at 3.5p/credit coming to just £3.50.

Every user also gets the chance to try before they buy as each account comes with 25 free credits.

Unlike other providers there is at no point a minimum usage requirement – you only pay for what you use and you use as little or as much as you like, in your own time.

Some providers will impose restrictions on when you must use your credits.

FastSMS credits have a limitless shelf life – they’re your credits and we would never take them off you!

Our network covers more than 500 mobile networks in over 200 countries. We’re always working with operators to add to our network so call us to find out the latest list.

The FastSMS network is housed in just one hop from the main internet backbone. You can learn more about our data centres here.

We operate a cloud of application servers and database servers to ensure maximum speed and availability. Our engineers are constantly monitoring both network security and performance to ensure the system is always available.

FastSMS only connects to the highest quality routes in the UK, with several direct binds to the UK operators to ensure maximum coverage, speed of delivery and reliability – this means you have the highest level of service with delivery routes that cannot be beaten.

Most messages sent through FastSMS reach their destination within seconds and inbound messages are just as quick, regardless of which of our SMS solutions you use.

Sending via the API from within your application can be as simple as generating a HTTP request that contains the relevant variables and sending them to the FastSMS gateway. This can be in the form of a HTTP POST or GET via your desired programming language.

The protocols that are supported by our API include:

• HTTP
• FTP/SCP
• SMTP
• XML

The FastSMS API gateway has been implemented into many different business solutions including server monitoring & alert systems, contact management databases and many other advanced applications.

If your application already supports email you can integrate SMS without the need for the API – using the Email to SMS service you can effortlessly add SMS functionality into any software that already supports SMTP.

FastSMS provide comprehensive API documentation as well as sample code to anyone who requires it, free of charge.

You can visit our developer zone to get access or contact us for more information.

FastSMS offer a wide range of payment options to cater for every level of customer.

All major credit/debit cards are accepted through our secure online payment system or over the phone.

Alternatively potential users can contact fastsms to apply for credit and pay in a way that suits them.

FastSMS is designed to be freely accessible to every user, so they can choose a payment method that is right for them and their usage.

The FastSMS web based messaging interface enables you to easily manage all aspects of your account.

You can set low credit reminders and top up your account online.

All accounts have the ability to create sub-users and distribute credits accordingly. You can also generate reports on general and individual usage as well as communicate with these sub users directly.

Every account starts with 25 free credits for testing (no payment details required). All you need to do is sign up online or give us a call on 0800 954 5305 to get started.

Most users find 2 way messaging essential but there is no obligation to set up inbound messaging features.

However all you need to enable two way messaging is a FastSMS Virtual Mobile Number (VMN); this is free for 90 days when you open an account with at least 1000 credits (otherwise £99 pa).

A VMN can be used with all FastSMS solutions; messages come direct to your inbox and can be also forwarded to an email address or mobile phone.

The FastSMS support service is free to everyone; we will do everything in our power to help our customers get the most out of their account.

FastSMS provides support and advice by email, phone and live chat dependent on the user’s preference.

FastSMS also operate information resources such as a blog, FAQs section, monthly newsletters, user manuals and guides.

Alternatively you can email us or call us on 0800 954 5305

We’re here to help you whenever you have a questions. We offer live chat and email support. You can talk with our helpful advisers on 0800 954 5305 during UK business hours. Depending on your question, you may find what you need in one of our business sector guides, SMS guides, user manuals or support centre. Check out our Learn more section for links to all the material.

You can login using the email address you signed up with and your password can be recovered using the forgotten password link or by contacting us on 0800 954 5305.

Our support centre is always updated with the latest features, tips, and instructions. You have easy access to it from inside your account. If you haven’t yet signed up for your free account, it only takes 60 seconds and you’ll have immediate access to all the information about our service.

If you have any questions at all you can chat with us live, send an email or call us at 0800 954 5305.

To contact a member of the FastSMS team please talk to us on live chat, email helpdesk@fastsms.co.uk or call 0800 954 5305.