Overview
To send SMS to recipients in the United States, your SMS use case must be reviewed and approved first.
To apply, Inlet needs:
- A completed Inlet_US_SMS.docx form
- A screenshot showing how the recipient actively gives consent to receive SMS
The application cannot be submitted until both are ready. The form includes company details, SMS use case, estimated volume, sample message content, opt-in details, website, and any URLs or phone numbers used in the messages.
Complete The SMS Application Form
Fill in the Inlet_US_SMS.docx form with accurate information about your company and SMS use case.
Make sure to include:
- company name and registered address
- business contact person
- estimated SMS volume
- what the SMS messages are used for
- example SMS messages
- how users agree to receive SMS
- whether the messages are promotional or not
- company website
- any links or phone numbers included in the SMS messages
The use case and sample messages must match how SMS will actually be used.
Attach A Screenshot Of The SMS Opt-In
You must also attach a screenshot showing the SMS consent text. This is normally shown next to a checkbox on a form, kiosk, booking page, signup page, or similar place where the user enters their phone number.
The checkbox must not be pre-selected. The user must actively select it themselves.
The screenshot must clearly show:
- the brand or sender name
- the exact type of SMS messages that will be sent, for example visitor notifications, 2FA, OTP, appointment reminders, or delivery updates
- message frequency, for example “You may receive up to 5 messages per week”
- standard fee notice, for example “Msg & data rates may apply”
- opt-out instructions, for example “Reply STOP to opt out”
- customer care information, for example “Text HELP for help” or “Help at XXX-XXX-XXXX”
- a link to the SMS Privacy Policy
- a link to the Terms & Conditions, if available
Customer care information is normally required, but may not be required for single-message programs such as 2FA.
Example Consent Text
You can use wording like this and adjust it to your use case:
I agree to receive [type of messages] from [Brand Name]. You may receive up to [X] messages per week. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out. Text HELP for help. See our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.
For example:
I agree to receive visitor registration SMS messages from Inlet. You may receive up to 5 messages per week. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out. Text HELP for help. See our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.
The Privacy Policy must be a visible link in the screenshot.
Common Reasons Applications Are Rejected
Applications may be denied if:
- the SMS type is unclear, for example it does not say whether the messages are OTP, 2FA, reminders, alerts, or another specific type
- the Privacy Policy link is missing
- the sender or brand name is missing
- the checkbox is already selected in the screenshot
- opt-out instructions are missing
- message and data rate information is missing
Before Sending To Inlet
Please send Inlet:
- the completed Inlet_US_SMS.docx
- a screenshot showing the SMS opt-in checkbox and consent text
- links to the Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions, if they are not clearly visible in the screenshot
Inlet will review the information before submitting the application. Missing or unclear opt-in information can delay approval.