View source for FAQ:General Topics

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'''FAQ:General Topics'''

== How much does it cost? ==

That depends on:

How many credits you buy(bulk purchases are cheaper).

The route that you send via. We provide users with several routing options which have different levels of connectivity and have definitive features and costs.

By registering and sending some test messages (free) you can verify exactly what the cost will be.


== I forget my password. What I have to do? ==

Just click on "Forget Password" at the member panel and you will receive an email with password reset link.


== Are there any other costs involved to send SMS? ==

There are no setup fees or monthly fees or any other additional fees.We operate on a prepay basis. Users do not pay to receive replies.

Recipients of SMS messages who reply are charged by their networks for sending the reply. For mobiles in other countries, the reply path will be via a number outside of those countries and charges by the network on which the replying mobile is on may be higher than for a local reply SMS.


== What sms routes do you provide? ==

View sms routing options [http://www.isms.com.my/sms_global_coverage.php HERE]


== How long does it take to deliver messages? ==

Typically messages are delivered within 15 seconds on the premium route and within 1 minutes on the standard route, but usually even faster. The best is to test it for yourself. However sometimes congestion in network may cause unavoidable delay.


== How long does it take to deliver messages? ==

Typically messages are delivered within 15 seconds on the premium route and within 1 minutes on the standard route, but usually even faster. The best is to test it for yourself. However sometimes congestion in network may cause unavoidable delay.

If you use email to send then messages the email itself might be delayed before it reaches our server. The iSMS system adds very little additional delay, but delays may occur on the text message network, perhaps because of congestion, or perhaps because the phone is out of coverage or even switched off.

Remember you can always check whether you message has been delivered by checking your account on-line.


== Is it possible to use the "sender id" parameter? ==

Setting of the Sender ID can be enabled after your initial credits purchase. Sender Id requests are processed manually and thus we suggest you request a sender Id change within office hours for a swift response.

NOTE: ''Sender ID not work for all Malaysia's mobile number''


== Do you support non-English text? (The SMS will be written in your language) ==

Yes, you can send non-English Characters. On the 'Compose SMS' page, just select "Send as Unicode". The character length for your message will be much shorter though, which is about 63 characters.


== Do you support 2 Way SMS? ==

Yes, recipients of messages that you sent via our bulk sms system, can reply to your messages. The reply messages will be sent to your inbox folder in your account. You can also have replies forwarded to an email address.

NOTE: ''2 way sms is ONLY available for our premium long code gateway''


== How do I register for an bulk SMS account? ==

Registering for an account is free and takes only a few minutes. You can click [http://www.isms.com.my/register.php HERE] and start registering. For references on how to register for the sms account, you may click [http://www.isms.com.my/how-to-register-bulk-sms-malaysia-get-free-demo-sms.php HERE].Please note that all fields must be completed to register.


== What does "Enter only alphanumeric and "_"" means? ==

Alphanumeric: a-z, A-Z and 0-9. You can use any characters in these ranges, as well as the underscore: "_".


== How do I Log in? ==

At the homepage (below the navigation bar), enter your "Username" and "Password". Then, click "Login" to access your member console homepage.


== Why I haven't received my activation code yet? ==

Please view [http://www.isms.com.my/sms_global_coverage.php coverage] to see if our service is available in your area.


== I got the activation code. Now what? ==

An activation code was sent to your mobile. To claim your 5 free credits, please do the following:

a) Go to our website [http://www.isms.com.my/index.php homepage],

b) LOGIN with your username and password

c) Once you have logged in, click on "Reload"

d) Enter the activation code exactly as it appears on your phone.


== What is bulk sms or bulk messaging? ==

Bulk Messaging is delivery of large amount of SMS messages to mobile phone terminals (mobile phone devices). It is also a method often used by media companies, enterprises, banks and consumer brands for a variety of purposes including

entertainment
enterprise
mobile marketing

Bulk messaging is commonly used for important alerts, reminders, and marketing but also for information and communication between both staff and customers.


== Do I need to install software to send messages? ==

No software installation is required on your computer. We provide web-based sms application. However, a computer and internet connection is necessary to send bulk sms.


== What are sms credits? ==

SMS credits are the currency you need to purchase to send SMS. 1 credit is equals to 1 sms of 153 characters. It will consume more than 1 credit if the message length is more than 153 characters.


== What is the maximum text length allowed in a single SMS? ==

The maximum text length allowed in a single message (consumes 1 credit) is 153 characters. If the text length is exceeded, the message will be delivered as 2 or more messages and more credits will be consumed accordingly. The character length for 2 messages is 306, for 3 messages is 459, for 4 messages is 612, and for 5 messages is 724.


== How do I check my credit balance? ==

Your "Credit Balance" can be seen from your member panel (below navigation bar) after you have login to your sms account.


== How do I manage my contacts? ==

You can create and manage groups for contacts management.


== Is it possible to integrate bulk sms into our software? ==

Yes. We provide [http://www.isms.com.my/sms_api.php HTTP APIs] which can be used in your application or software.


== How do I confirm whether messages delivered or not? ==

You can view and download detailed message delivery reports.


== How do you support your customers? ==

We provide support via phone, email, and remote screen sharing if necessary.


== Can I partner with iSMS? ==

Yes. You can resell our sms solutions. Please refer [http://www.isms.com.my/bulk-sms-reseller-solution.php HERE] for more information.


== Are there any contracts or commitments with iSMS? ==

There are no contracts involved in running an iSMS account. Our pricing plan is based on a "Pay-as-you-go" basis so you can send text messages with no hassle.


== Do I need a mobile phone? ==

You do not need a mobile phone. SMS are sent and received via iSMS gateway. It is all web based so you do not need to download anything. All you need is an internet enabled PC, Mac, Tablet or [http://www.isms.com.my/sms-marketing-online-android-apps.php smartphone].


== How much does it cost to send a message? ==

The cost depends on how many credits you want to buy. 1 credit equals to 1 text message to one Malaysian phone and the credits last indefinitely. The cost of our credit bundles can be found on our [http://www.isms.com.my/buy_reload.php prices page].


== Does iSMS provide data? ==

We do not provide data. However we do offer a dedicated number / short code which is extremely effective in collecting opt-in numbers and opt ins from your customers and can be used alongside any SMS marketing activity.


== Can I send messages outside of Malaysia? ==

Yes, you can send text messages internationally. Each message sent will use up a certain amount of credits depending on the country it is being sent to. Please check our international [http://www.isms.com.my/rate.php full rate list] of which countries you can send to, the networks they use and the amount of credits the message will use.


== How secure is my data? ==

Your data is completely safe. We do not share or pass on any of your data, including the mobile numbers you have uploaded. Your data will only be used solely for your SMS marketing.


== How many characters in a message? ==

One SMS credit will use up to 153 characters. If there is 154 characters, the text message will use 2 credits and so on. There is an indicator that states clearly when typing your message such as how many characters you have used and how many credits your text will use up so you can edit this accordingly.


== How can I check if a message has been sent? ==

The "Reports" section in iSMS shows if a message has been delivered or undelivered. A status will be marked at the SMS such as pending or invalid number.


== Will my credits expire? ==

All SMS credit purchase comes with 1 year validity. When you recharge (add new credits) your account then 1 year validity will be effective upon the recharge date. Also, existing credits will be carried forward. If you need to extend the validity further, please contact us [http://www.isms.com.my/contact_us.php HERE] or call us at +60379801388 upon the expiry date.


== How long does the service take to set up? ==

Your SMS marketing campaigns can be up and running within minutes.


== Can I import data into my SMS account? ==

Yes, you can import mobile numbers from a CSV file. You can upload your mobile numbers along with 10 fields of information with just a few clicks of a button. You can also enter your numbers individually or by copying and pasting (directly) if you have smaller volumes.


== Why are my SMS using up two credits? ==

A message will use over one credit if you do wither of the following:

you are using over 153 characters per message.

you have merged data into your message which is increasing the characters.

you have sent to international numbers which can use up to 5 credits per message. See international pricing for a full list [http://www.isms.com.my/rate.php HERE].


== Why do numbers look like 6.01E+12 when I export to Excel? ==

This is because Excel thinks your mobile number is a long number so it will convert the numbers into a scientific notation. To fix this click on the column header, click "Format Cells->As Number->0 decimal places".


== Can I merge data into my messages? ==

Yes, you can merge data into your messages by inputting the information into your CSV spread sheet. Once you have uploaded the file, you can make sure each column heading is relevant to the information stored in each column.


== How long do messages stay in my inbox for? ==

SMS will stay in your account for 2 years. You can easily export these to an excel file for your own record.


== I did not find my question on your FAQ list. ==

Kindly email us all your queries or suggestions to support@mobiweb.com.my. We are happy to help you and provide quick solutions to your problems.


== How do I change my password? ==

To change your password, first log in to your account, then click on "Edit Profile".


== How do sub-accounts work? ==

There are several reasons why you might want to create sub-accounts. For example:

there might be several departments in your organisation, so you could create a separate sub-account for each

the settings of each sub-account can be separately controlled

creating sub-accounts for each person keeps their messages separate. Each sub-account has its own sent message log and its own inbox. This might be needed for privacy reasons.

Each person or department could of course have their own account, but by pooling your purchases you can buy larger bundles and get better discounts. So subaccounts create flexibility whilst combining purchasing power.