As of September 27 2024, all SMS messages sent via Breeze's short-code will include a new identifier at the start of each message. This change is necessary to ensure compliance with updated regulations set by the telecommunications industry.
Why Is This Change Necessary?
In recent years, there have been significant changes in the way SMS messaging is regulated. To protect consumers from spam and ensure transparency, mobile carriers have introduced stricter requirements around the content of text messages, particularly those sent via short-codes (like Breeze’s 87447). One of the key requirements is that every message must clearly identify the sender.
Previously, Breeze sent an initial message identifying the church when a recipient was first contacted. However, this is no longer sufficient to meet compliance standards. We must now include an identifier at the start of every message sent through our short-code to ensure that recipients always know who the message is from. Failure to comply with these regulations could result in the suspension of Breeze’s SMS service.
What Will the Messages Look Like?
Each message will begin with Breeze-{{subdomain}}: where “subdomain” is the first 11 characters of your church's Breeze subdomain. For example, a church with the subdomain "godfirstchurch" would send a message like this:
Breeze-godfirstchu: Don’t forget about our service this Sunday!
This identifier helps meet compliance standards by ensuring that every SMS message sent through Breeze contains a clear indication of who the message is coming from.
How Does This Affect My SMS Messages?
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Message Length: Since the identifier takes up space in the message, the SMS character limit is being reduced from 160 characters to 140 characters.
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System-Generated Messages: All messages, including system-generated ones (except for those triggered by STOP replies), will include this identifier.
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Text History: The identifier will not appear in the SMS history within Breeze.
Why Are These Regulations Important?
Text messaging is subject to strict regulations to protect recipients from unwanted messages and spam. These guidelines are set by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the U.S., and mobile carriers enforce them. If a service like Breeze fails to comply with these rules, carriers may block messages, which could disrupt your ability to communicate with your community.
By adhering to these standards, Breeze ensures that your messages continue to be delivered reliably and that your organization remains in good standing with mobile carriers.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I change my subdomain identifier?
Yes, you can change your subdomain. See Manage Account Settings to change your subdomain.
2. Does this change affect international messages?
No, this identifier will only appear in messages sent via our US shortcode (87447). International messages will not include this identifier.
3. Why is the character limit reduced to 140 for all users, even international customers?
The Breeze SMS system applies the same rules across all messages since it processes them before determining their destination. Reducing the character limit to 140 ensures that messages comply with the regulations for short-code messaging in the U.S.
Staying Compliant Going Forward
As the texting landscape continues to evolve, we are committed to staying compliant with all relevant regulations. We will continue to work closely with our SMS providers to ensure that your messages are delivered efficiently and securely.
If you have any questions about this change or need assistance with your SMS settings, please reach out to our support team for help.