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SMS API

SMS API

Integrate powerful SMS messaging into your applications with Bandwidth’s easy-to-use SMS API.

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Text messaging that delivers

Bandwidth’s position as both a CPaaS provider and a network operator gives you the control, flexibility, and insight that you crave. Reliably send messages on our tier 1 network and get deeper insights into deliverability and ROI, whether you’re sending text alerts, surveys, or just bridging a connection.

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Industry-leading message delivery insights

You pay for every message you send, even the ones that aren’t delivered. We think there’s a better way. Get insights into which messages are being delivered, which aren’t, and why that is. Learn more about message deliverability.

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Real human support

Get real support from real people. We’re ready to answer every question you have and help you every step of the way, from Day 1 to Day 36,500.

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Direct-to-carrier pricing

Eliminate the middleman. We own and operate our own nationwide network, giving you better pricing without the markups of other CPaaS providers.

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Unparalleled flexibility

Group messaging? More than 160 characters? Need to interact with bots or pin codes? If you can dream it, you can build it thanks to our endlessly flexible SMS API.

Powerful SMS features get you going fast

We’ve worked hard to blend a full-featured tier 1 network with cutting edge APIs that allow you to build the future of communications.

  • High volume support over local or toll-free numbers
  • MMS - videos, gifs, pictures and more
  • Bring your own number capabilities
  • Reliable delivery
  • Bi-directional unicode and emojis
  • Redundant network
  • Real-time delivery receipts
  • 100+ MPS capabilities

Messaging cost prediction

SMS
MMS
Misc Values
For latest Bandwidth Carrier Surcharges -
see here

Estimate your messaging costs

Whether you’re interested in sending high-volume text messages over local phone numbers or toll-free, Bandwidth can help you communicate with scalable pricing. Use our estimator to understand what your costs could be, including carrier fees and monthly number costs.

A network built for developers

Why rent when you can own? Most programmable SMS platforms rent network space from carriers. Bandwidth is different. We give you carrier-grade features like delivery receipts and error codes that help you increase deliverability, reduce costs, and build a better product.

require 'bandwidth'

include Bandwidth
include Bandwidth::Messaging

bandwidth_client = Bandwidth::Client.new(
    messaging_basic_auth_user_name: 'username',
    messaging_basic_auth_password: 'password'
)

messaging_client = bandwidth_client.messaging_client.client

account_id = '1'
body = MessageRequest.new
body.application_id = '1-2-3'
body.to = ['+17777777777']
body.from = '+18888888888'
body.text = 'Hello from Bandwidth'

messaging_client.create_message(account_id, :body => body)

This code sample shows how to send a message with the Bandwidth SMS API.
Check out our Dev Docs to learn more.

Start sending messages with our free SMS API trial or talk to one of our experts to get your questions answered

Request Trial Talk to an expert

If you can think of a use case we have it covered

Our customers are constantly coming up with innovative new ways to use our API SMS service. Have an idea we haven’t thought of? Let’s talk.

No other provider offered the same level of hands-on support or cost savings that Bandwidth has been able to deliver. Their flexible APIs made it simple for us to get up and running without missing a beat.

No middleman pricing

Since we own the network and APIs, we’re able to give you pricing that other CPaaS providers that have to rent space just can’t.

Bandwidth* Typical Competitor Savings
Inbound Messaging (per message) FREE $0.0075 100%
Outbound Messaging (per message) $0.005 $0.0075 33%
Phone Number (per line per month) $0.35 $1.00 65%

Based on average competitor prices as of July 2021.

Network operators and CPaaS providers

The Bandwidth Difference

At Bandwidth, we’re committed to creating a different kind of communications company. People have called us lots of things—“the most modern carrier,” “the most powerful CPaaS,” “the most scalable API provider.” The truth is, we do things differently; we’ve made reinventing telecom our mission, combining the power of a network operator with the flexibility of an API platform.

Ready to get started?

Talk to an expert

Related Resources

Frequently asked questions

What is an SMS API?

Short Message Service (SMS) is the most widely used form of text messaging—leveraging both wireless and traditional telecom infrastructure to transmit, while being universally accessible across mobile devices. Any software developer can use an SMS application programming interface (API) to easily integrate messaging (both sending and receiving) into their software without complicated telecom infrastructure or knowledge.

How does an SMS API work?

An SMS API works similarly to any other application programming interface that triggers API calls to utilize a functionality like sending or receiving a text message. These SMS API callbacks, also called webhooks, are extremely robust allowing for customization of messaging services within an application, limited only by the imagination.

How do I integrate an SMS API?

A successful integration to Bandwidth’s SMS API is usually managed by a software developer programming in a modern programming language. Traditionally, an integration involves some level of testing, data modeling, and server configuration to communicate with Bandwidth’s texting API. Most web developers are able to build a test integration in under a day, with production integrations scaling in time with the complexity of the messaging service.

What languages can I integrate the Bandwidth SMS API with?

The best SMS APIs can integrate with most modern programming languages that have the ability to reach the web. Bandwidth provides SDKs for PHP, C#, NodeJS, Java, Ruby, and Python.

Do you provide SDKs?

Yes, for NodeJS, Java, Ruby, Python, PHP, and C#.

Do you offer a free SMS API?

No. If you need access to our SMS API for proof of concept development or testing, please request a trial account.

What is an SMS gateway?

An SMS gateway allows you to use your existing SMPP servers to send messages without having to migrate your infrastructure to the cloud. You can learn more about Bandwidth’s SMS Gateway.

What are the benefits of using SMS API?

Using a texting API allows you to add the ability to send and receive text messages to your application or software without the need for expensive telecom infrastructure. With just a few lines of code your customers can be texting from with your application.

Do you pay for every message you send over SMS?

Yes. Every message you send costs money, which is why having a high message deliverability rate is so important for getting a good ROI. Visit our Message Deliverability page to learn more about what impacts deliverability, how to calculate ROI, and how to improve your deliverability.

Do you have an out-of-the-box SMS solution?

No, but our SMS API allows you to build the solution that’s right for you and your customers. Whether that includes sending, receiving, or both, our texting API enables you to power the right solution for you.

Can I send images, videos, or other rich media with your SMS API?

Yes. Bandwidth supports both plain text messaging (SMS) and rich media texting (MMS). For other rich media options, check out RCS beta.

Do you provide a REST API?

Yes. Visit our Docs for Developers to learn more.

Do you have limits on messages sent via API?

Depending on the type of number you use, there are limitations to the number of messages that can be sent per second (also known as MPS). Person-to-Person use cases are typically limited to about 1 MPS, while Application-to-Person channels can have much higher MPS rates based on your specific needs. Talk to a member of our team to learn more and to find out how Bandwidth can meet your messaging needs.

SoM 2023