Sending Automated SMS Messages

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 [email protected]. 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.

Ignatia

i've used twitter as my gateway before, it wasn't reliable before but its pretty solid now. – Phototonus

@Phototonus - Can you give an example of how to do this? – Ignatia

Answer 1

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.

Powers

Answer 2

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.

Salespeople

Answer 3

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.

Athanasian

Is the modem a free solution once installed? Is it easy to setup and use? Could you give an example of some code that might use the modem? Thanks. – Ignatia

It would, of course, require a commercial texting plan tied to the SIM used in the modem. – Manhour

Answer 4

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.)

Catamenia

Answer 5

There is a global email to SMS gateway, that you can use using the format [email protected] i.e. [email protected], and put the message in the subject line.

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

Dan.

Esbenshade

Answer 6

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.

Mcmullin

Answer 7

:)

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}[email protected],{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/.

Ignatia

Unfortunately, the vast majority of emails you send with this will fail - which means that it won't take very long before the providers block you. – Incommensurable

Maybe. This isn't something I would do for a client. It was for fun. – Ignatia

I think it is being down-voted because it isn't a usable solution. It is hack-y and could get your domain blacklisted or marked as a sender of spam. – Hamrnand