Least Cost SMS

General

Connect

Why do I have to register?

In order to keep things secure and provide advanced features such as distribution lists, you need to register with us. We made signing up with least-cost-sms.com as easy and straight-forward as possible for you.

How save do you keep personal information?

Your personal information is save with us and we never sell or pass it on to third parties. Your data will only be used with the service you signed up for.

What features can I use after registering?

You can use all features but you won't be able to send out bulk messages until you charged up your account. However you can send free test messages to try out the service before you sign anything.

when can I start sending messages?

You only will need to charge your account before sending SMS. You can easily do so using PayPal, credit card and bank wire transfer.

how can I change my personal details?

You can make changes to your details at any time, clicking on the "My Details" navigation icon.

Log-In

How and when will I receive my log-in details?

After you successfully registered for a free acount we will send you an email, with your log-in details.

How can I change my password?

For security reasons you are not permitted to choose your own password. However, you can always request a new password to be generated for you by selecting the "lost password" option on the log-in screen.

I've lost my password. How can I log-in?

Don't panic. Simply select "lost password" from the log-in screen and a new one will be emailed to you shortly. Please allow a little time to pass and the password to be send to you. This process may take up to half an hour at the most. Requesting a new password too often may result in your account being locked for security reasons.

Messaging Tools

Price Check

Can I check the price across more than once network at a time?

Yes, you can check tariffs across as many networks you like.

Can I check tariffs across more than one country at a time?

No, you can only compare tariffs across networks in one country at a time.

How will the tariffs be displayed?

We will show you tariffs for each chosen network provider in all available quality levels (1-5 stars).

What do I have to watch out for when choosing a sender ID?

You can choose your own sender ID from numerical and alphanumerical characters. Just enter your desired ID and we will check it's availability for you. If you leave the sender ID field empty, we will choose a mobile number ourselves.

What does the 5 star quality levels mean?

Five stars represents the best possible (direct) connection to mobile networks. All features are available and messages will be transmitted within a few seconds. Number portability is also available.

What does the 4 star quality level mean?

Four stars will enable you to send messages via high quality in-direct routes. Usually all features are available but may differ between providers. Number portability is ususally not available.

What does the 3 star quality level mean?

Three stars will let you send messages through very reliable and high performance modem farms, using foreign routes. Only specific features are available. You will not be able to choose your own sender ID, instead a mobile number will be selected for you. Alternatively you can use one registered by us. To take advantage of that option, please contact support [at] least-cost-sms [dot] com.

What does the 2 star quality level mean?

For two stars your messages will be send via cheap foreign routes or backup modem farms. Route available cannot be guaranteed. No features are available and you may experience delays in delivering your messages (even with small campaigns).

What does the 1 star quality level mean?

A single star is the cheapest and least reliable route option you can choose. Neither availability nor coverage can be guaranteed. No features are available and you may experience delays of several hours in delivering your messages.

What quality level is right for me?

The answer to this question depends entirely on your individual preferences and needs. If you feel spoiled for choice and are stuck in choosing the right route, just drop us a message to support [at] least-cost-sms [dot] com and we will be happy to help by recommending a quality level to you.

What is a feature?

A feature is a type of function to send a message. For example: sender IDs and delivery receipts are features.

What is WAP Push?

WAP push are binary data messages. They are used to enable end users a direct means of accessing WAP pages.

What is a delivery status notification?

A delivery status notification will let you know the current status of your campaign. It will show you if messages have been received by your end users or if target networks have received them.

What is a flash SMS?

A flash message is an SMS that is displayed directly on the end users handset.

What does "delayed delivery" mean?

If you want your messages to be delivered at a later point in time you can choose this option to set a date/time.

What tariff will be used and what is the maximum delay I can set when I send a campaign later?

When you choose "delayed delivery" the tariff will be the one displayed to you when you create your campaign. The maximum delay you can set is 7 days.

What does "valid until" (message validity) mean?

The message will only be send until the valid through date you set. This is very important if you have a date sensitive campaign, where you don't want messages to be delivered beyond a certain point in time.

When should I use the "valid until" option?

For example if you were advertising the sale of concert tickets, you would want to avoid notifying end users after the concert. You should use this feature with any date sensitive campaigns you create to avoid unnessecarry cost.

How current is the displayed tariff?

The tariffs shown are always the most current available in all quality levels and networks.

How long is the displayed tariff valid for?

Tariffs are valid until the expiry date shown.

SMS Versand (inkl. Routentest)

How do I send messages?

You can choose between using our straight-forward web interface or HTTP API from remote. Details on how to connect to our least-cost-sms router via HTTP API can be found in the documentation available from within the log-in area. To send messages via the web interface, simply go to "Send SMS", select the features you need and the tariff you want.

Do I have to be logged in to the web interface to send messages via the HTTP API?

No, but you will need to supply your log-in credentials when using the HTTP API. Please consult the documentation for further details.

What happens if my account has now funds available?

To send messages you will need to add funds covering the total cost of your campaign to your account. You can easily transfer money by using your credit or debit card and bank/money transfer services.

What external APIs are available?

We currently offer an easy to use HTTP API. UCP and SMPP interfaces will be added in the near future.

Sending messages via the web interface

You can easily send messages via the web interface, even without prior knowledge. We kept things as simple as possible, but without sacrificing features or advanced options.

Using the external API

By using our external APIs you can directly connect to our least-cost-sms router, even without logging into the web interface.

What prerequisites exist to send messages?

All you need to do to send messages is to register for a free account, sign the service agreement and add funds to your account. It's easy as 1-2-3. Try us before your buy us by sending up to three free test messages.

What do I need to look out for when choosing a sender ID?

You can choose your own sender ID (numerical or alphanumerical) depending on the quality level you select. Just enter your choice of sender ID and we will check its availability for you. If you leave the sender ID field blank, we will choose one for you.

What do I need to look out for when choosing destination numbers?

You can choose as many or few recipients as you like. Either upload a CSV (comma separated values) file or copy-and-paste them into the web form. Use our HTTP API if you regularly need to send messages to a lot of recipients.

What file format do I need to select when uploading recipient lists?

Although we try to accomodate a variety of different formats, we recommend using CSV (comma separated values). Please contact support [at] least-cost-sms [dot] com in case you should need further help with uploading recipient lists. TIP: Use the HTTP API to directly send messages to our least-cost-sms router from your own software or database system.

How many recipients can I upload per file?

You can upload as many numbers as you like. For efficient bulk messaging we recommend a maximum of 80.000 SMS per transaction. A higher number may result in delays as we calculate the best routes and tariffs to match your features and maximum price.

Sending messages via the list manager

You can directly access the "send SMS" tool from within the recipient list manager by selecting a list and adding them to a new campaign.

How do I test routes?

To test routes for a campaign, simply enter a mobile number to send the test message to and go. Remember to choose a number in the target country or network of your campaign.

What do I need to look out for when entering message texts?

You should avoid using special characters. Also, the maximum message length is currently 160 characters (including white space).

What happens when I leave the "maximum price" field empty?

We will always look for the best possible price based on the features and options you have selected, even when you don't enter a maximum price.

What happens when my maximum price is too low?

If you selected a lower tariff than is currently available, you need to either choose a higher maximum price or change different features.

What happens when my maximum price exceeds the best price available?

We always choose the lowest price per message based on your selections, even if you select a higher price. We will simply use it as a guide, to let us know your upper limit.

What does the 5 star quality level mean?

Five stars represents the best possible (direct) connection to mobile networks. All features are available and messages will be transmitted within a few seconds. Number portability is also available.

What does the 4 star quality level mean?

Four stars will enable you to send messages via high quality in-direct routes. Usually all features are available but may differ between providers. Number portability is ususally not available.

What does the 3 star quality level mean?

Three stars will let you send messages through very reliable and high performance modem farms, using foreign routes. Only specific features are available. You will not be able to choose your own sender ID, instead a mobile number will be selected for you. Alternatively you can use one registered by us. To take advantage of that option, please contact support [at] least-cost-sms [dot] com.

What does the 2 star quality level mean?

For two stars your messages will be send via cheap foreign routes or backup modem farms. Route available cannot be guaranteed. No features are available and you may experience delays in delivering your messages (even with small campaigns).

What does the 1 star quality level mean?

A single star is the cheapest and least reliable route option you can choose. Neither availability nor coverage can be guaranteed. No features are available and you may experience delays of several hours in delivering your messages.

What quality level is right for me?

The answer to this question depends entirely on your individual preferences and needs. If you feel spoiled for choice and are stuck in choosing the right route, just drop us a message to support [at] least-cost-sms [dot] com and we will be happy to help by recommending a quality level to you.

Why aren't the same features available as for "price check"?

Using the "price check" tool you can choose from all features to look for a best route. Sending your messages via the "send SMS" tool, you will only have the features available that you can use on the routes you selected based on your criteria (i.e. sender ID, quality level).

What is WAP Push?

WAP push are binary data messages. They are used to enable end users a direct means of accessing WAP pages.

What is a delivery status notification?

A delivery status notification will let you know the current status of your campaign. It will show you if messages have been received by your end users or if target networks have received them.

What is a flash SMS?

A flash message is an SMS that is displayed directly on the end users handset.

What does "delayed delivery" mean?

If you want your messages to be delivered at a later point in time you can choose this option to set a date/time.

What tariff will be used and what is the maximum delay I can set when I send a campaign later?

When you choose "delayed delivery" the tariff will be the one displayed to you when you create your campaign. The maximum delay you can set is 7 days.

What does "valid until" (message validity) mean?

The message will only be send until the valid through date you set. This is very important if you have a date sensitive campaign, where you don't want messages to be delivered beyond a certain point in time.

When should I use the "valid until" option?

For example if you were advertising the sale of concert tickets, you would want to avoid notifying end users after the concert. You should use this feature with any date sensitive campaigns you create to avoid unnessecarry cost.

How long is the displayed tariff valid for?

Tariffs are valid until the expiry date shown.

SMS Versand - jetzt versenden

What happens when I press "send messages"?

Your messages will be send.

Can I stop a campaign in progress?

No, as soon as you commit by pressing "send messages" your SMS will be processed and delivered.

What influence does my maximum price has?

We will always look for the lowest price available based on the features and options you selected. The maximum price will enable you to tell us your upper most limit beyond which we will not send messages.

Can I get a better price when I commit to a high volume of messages?

If you regularly send a large amount of messages we will be happy to discuss possible options with you. Please remember that margins in this market are very tight and you should not expect too much of a saving.

SMS Versand - nächster Schritt

What happens when I use "route and price check"?

We will look for the best available routes based on your options and calculate the lowest current price for your campaign. You will receive a detailed and comprehensive overview.

What happens when I have insufficient funds to send my campaign?

You will need sufficient funds in your account to cover the cost of all messages to be send. If that's not the case, you will be prompted to add funds before you can start.

Can I save recipients numbers that I entered for a campaign?

Yes, you can add the numbers to the list manager to save them.

Will my messages be dispatched immediately, if so to at which tariff?

After all calculations are complete you are shown the total cost for your campaign. You can then confirm it and send the messages.

What happens when no suitable routes can be found?

In case your search comes up short, you can change it and try again.

What happens if my maximum price exceeds the currently lowest available?

We will always look for the lowest price based on your choices. Your maximum price simply tells us the upper limit.

Why is the price shown only available for the next 5 minutes?

We reserve a place for every message in your campaign on selected routes. That can be a lot of slots across a potentially wide range of routes. This is done to guarantee the price that you are offered will be the price you will pay. To prevent blocking routes for too long we have to set a time limit for which the slot is reserved.

What happens when the 5 minutes are up?

After the reservation expires the slots held will be released, so they can be used by other customers. To start your campaign you will need to re-run the "send SMS" tool.

Listen-Manager

What is the list manager?

The list manager enables you to upload recipient lists to the system. You can also add recipient numbers from within the "send SMS" tool. CSV, TXT and XLS file formats are currently supported.

What is the list manager good for?

You can use the list manager to create recipient lists for your campaigns.

How do I need to format the list?

Please add mobile numbers with the country code: i.e. 00447794123456. Observe that there must be no spaces or extra characters (i.e. + sign or - dashes). Separate numbers with either a comma or semicolon.

Can I ammend or edit the list once I have uploaded it?

You currently cannot. However future versions will include full editing functionality.

How can I send messages to all recipients in a list?

Just select the list and choose "send to".

How can I send messages to recipients of more than one list at the same time?

You can select multiple lists and press "sent to".

Statistik

Your Account

Persönliche Daten

How long does it take for my changes to become active?

Changes to your details are always saved as soon as you press "save". You will need to log-out and back in again in order to see the changes you made though.

What happens if I entered incorrect details during registration?

Should you need to change your details before you have send us your agreement or received the mail code, please contact support [at] least-cost-sms [dot] com immediatly.

Aufladen per Überweisung

How soon will the funds be added to my account?

Funds will be added to your account as soon as they have cleared. A tax receipt will be mailed to you upon successful completion of the transaction.

How will I know that the funds have been credited to my account?

We will email you as soon as the funds have been added to your account to let you know.

When and how do I receive a receipt for my payment?

You will receive a printed tax receipt by mail as soon as the transaction is complete and the funds have cleared.

Aufladen per Kreditkarte

Adding funds by using your credit card is the same as using bank/money transfer

See adding funds via bank/money transfer

Aufladen per PayPal

What does charge using PayPal mean?

You can use PayPal to add funds to your account.

Kontostand

Can my account with you go overdrawn?

No. Unlike a bank account, your account cannot be in arrears. Individual requests for credit can be made by contacting support [at] least-cost-sms [dot] com and are subject to prior approval.

How can I make sure my account always has sufficient credit?

You can easily find out the most current tariffs by using the "price check" tool. To find out the total amount required for a campaign you can use the "route test" tool. Then simply add an amount equal or slightly higher than the total amount shown to your account.

What happens if my account has insufficient funds for a campaign?

You can only send a campaign when your account has sufficient funds to cover it. In case you lack funds the system will alert you before you send any messages and prompt you to charge up your account.

Kontoauszüge

Can I view my previous receipts?

We automatically send you a printed tax receipt for your payment by mail. For your convenience you can also view previous receipts online.

Can I view credits and debits separately?

Yes, you can choose to display credits and debits separatly.

Versand Schnittstellen (API)

Are the same features available on the HTTP API as are on the web interface?

Yes, all features are available. Please see the documentation for further details.

Do I need to log-in more than once for sending on different quality levels?

No, you will only need to authenticate once. The log-in details for the web interface are the same for the HTTP API. Please see the documentation for further information.

Do I need multiple accounts or log-ins for using different features?

No, you will only need one account to authenticate yourself with. The log-in details for the web interface are the same for the HTTP API. Please see the documentation for further information.

Can I use a single account to handle more than one job?

You can define specific options and features for each job/campaign. Please see the documentation for further information.

Support & Help

Support

How can I contact a specific departement?

You can use our support enquiry form to select a relevant department.

How long will it take for you to reply to my enquiry?

We always endeavour to send you a reply as quickly as possible. However, we also want to make sure that you receive a qualified and helpful answer to your queries. Therefore it may take a little longer for us to respond.