An Alphanumeric Sender ID lets outbound SMS display your business name in place of a phone number when using the 2-Way SMS module.

Overview

The 2-Way SMS module sends SMS messages from your property and receives guest replies in the Message Centre using a virtual mobile number assigned to your property.

An Alphanumeric Sender ID changes how the sender appears on outbound messages. Instead of a phone number, the guest sees your business name, for example, "ACME-CO". This helps guests recognise who the message is from and reinforces your brand.

How an Alphanumeric Sender ID works

An Alphanumeric Sender ID is between 3 and 11 characters and must contain at least one letter. It should clearly identify your business, so it is usually based on your registered business name, trading name, trademark, or domain.

Once set, the Sender ID is applied to outbound SMS for the selected property, including messages sent from the Correspondence tab, In/Out Movements, and Triggered Correspondence. You can review messages that have been sent using the SMS History report.

Availability by region

What you can use as a Sender ID and whether registration is required depends on the country your property operates in.

Australia

• What is allowed: Send messages showing your business name (for example, "ACME-CO") instead of a phone number.
• The process: Your Sender ID must be registered under Australian regulations before use. RMS coordinates this registration for you.
• Character count: 3 to 11 characters.
• Rules: Must contain at least one letter and must clearly identify your business.
• Replies allowed: No. A Sender ID is one-way, so guests cannot reply.

United Kingdom

• What is allowed: Send messages showing your business name (for example, "ACME-CO") instead of a phone number.
• The process: No formal upfront registration is required on most networks, so you can configure and send messages straight away.
• Character count: Up to 11 characters.
• Rules: Must contain at least one letter and cannot use generic terms such as "ALERT" or "INFO".
• Replies allowed: No. A Sender ID is one-way, so guests cannot reply.

United States

• What is allowed: Alphanumeric Sender IDs are not supported. All business messages must be sent from a standard phone number.
• The process: Register a numeric sender by submitting your company tax ID (EIN) and getting approved for either a 10DLC (10-Digit Long Code) or a Verified Toll-Free Number.
• Character count: Not applicable. Messages are sent from a numeric phone number rather than an alphanumeric name.
• Rules: The numeric sender (10DLC or Verified Toll-Free Number) must be registered and approved before use.
• Replies allowed: Yes. Supports two-way messaging, so guests can reply (for example, "STOP" or "HELP").

How to set up an Alphanumeric Sender ID

1. Ensure you have activated the 2-Way SMS module from the Module Market. 
   The instructions to activate it are here: 2-Way SMS module
2. Once registration is confirmed, enter your Sender ID in RMS. Go to Setup > Property Options > Property Information
3. Edit the Property
4. Navigate to the Features tab, 
5. enter your Sender ID in the SMS From Name field, 
6.  Save/Exit.
   

Related Articles

• 2-Way SMS module
• Create an SMS template
• Message Centre
• SMS History report