Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Which is the best way to send Bulk SMS to more than 50 numbers.
Answer: The best way is to use the Upload Tool method for sending Bulk SMS. Refer to the QuickStart Guide on using Upload Tool.

Question: I typed my message into a MS Word file and pasted it into the message box. My message contains some characters like " ' < > - ! ? \ | ` ~ but not more than 160 letters, yet it indicates 3 or 4 messages.
Answer: Those character are interpreted as Unicode characters. It is best practise to type your message directly into the message box or use txt applications like notepad.

Question: I get some errors after uploading my phone numbers.
Answer: Please make sure your numbers are saved in notepad or MS Excel. Do not save your numbers in Wordpad or MS Word.

Question: I have 500 SMS units but can not send to 500 SMS numbers due to insifficient credit alert/error.
Answer: Be sure that your numbers do not contain international numbers and CDMA network which are billed at more than 1 unit per SMS.

Question: Why do I get an error message "The sender field is not well defined!" when I try to send an SMS message?
Answer: Please check that the “Sender” field does not contain more than 11 characters and that your numbers are in international format starting with the country code. e.g. 2348033017538.

Question : I want to send SMS to a very large amount of recipient numbers, how best do I go about it?
Answer: You are advised to use the BroadSMS messenger software for faster completion of upload of your numbers since internet connection in Africa is usually not very fast. You can also use the Upload Tool method.

Question: What is your coverage for SMS delivery?.
Answer: Unlike most SMS service providers, we deliver to all GSM networks worldwide except the U.S. and Canada. We also support Nigeria ZOOM & Startcomms CDMA networks. However, coverage may change.

Question: How do I change my password or create contact list or address book?
Answer: Click on the link http://193.105.74.131 and log in to change your password and other details. Click on My Account.

Question: I sent some Bulk messages but my balance still remains as it was.
Answer: Please do not re-send your messages, your messages are queued and would be delivered shortly and your new credit balance will reflect.

Question: I used the SMS messenger software to send messages but can not preview the delivery history on the web.
Answer: You can view delivery report only from the SMS messenger software on your desktop if you sent your messages with the SMS messenger. You can also log in and click on Report Center to retrieve SMS delivery report by request.

Question: I wish to use the SMS messenger software to send messages but my username is more than 16 characters.
Answer: If your username is more than 16 alpha-numeric characters, you will not be able to log in to the SMS software. We are working towards resolving this bottleneck.

Question: I use Windows Vista with Microsoft Office 2007 but can not send Bulk SMS to my numbers in excel 2007.
Answer: Please save your numbers in Microsoft Excel 2003 in other to be able to see and send Bulk SMS to them.

Question: I use Starcomms Internet and I can not log in to my account?.
Answer: If you are not getting invalid login message, then you need to check your internet connection. Presently, customers using Starcomms Internet Access can not log in and send messages via the web except using the SMS messenger software. We are working towards resolving this.

Question: I have only a few numbers to send messages to, but my internet is very slow, do you have option(s) for me?
Answer: yes, click on the link http://193.105.74.133 which is more internet friendly to send quick messages.

Question: I sent some messages but have not received a copy. What do I do?
Answer: Please click on History to see the status of your sent message. You may have to wait a little while as message delay may result from network conjection. If issues still persist, do not resend. Email us with content of your SMS, three sample phone numbers, Sender ID, date message was sent and your log in user name.