Message Header Definition

Message Header famously known as Sender ID has been Categorised into 3 different types as following:

1. Promotional
2. Other
3. Other-Government

Promotional Headers

Messages Headers that can be used for sending Promotional Messages fall under Promotional Type. Promotional Message means Commercial Communication that can be sent to a mobile Subscriber whose Preferences are not set (not on DND) Or, any Commercial Communication that an Enterprise can send to an intended Recipient after taking Consent to send such Messages.

Sample: 123980, 265467, 398765, 453123

Promotional headers should comprise with 6 Numeric Characters and start with the Number that matches with the category Prescribed by DND Preference.

1. Banking/Insurance/Financial Products/ Credit Cards (Number assigned is 1). Example: 123765, 154326
2. Real Estate (Number assigned is 2) Example: 234567, 276543
3. Education (Number assigned is 3) Example: 387965, 345673
4. Health (Number assigned is 4) Example: 457864, 443765
5. Consumer Goods and Automobiles (Number assigned is 5) Example: 509875, 587654
6. Communication/Broadcasting / Entertainment/IT (Number assigned is 6) Example: 667890, 676543
7. Tourism and Leisure (Number assigned is 7) Example: 797657, 765432
8. Food and Beverages (Number assigned is 8) Example: 876543, 854321
9. Others – Category that doesn’t appear in 1-8 (Number assigned is 1 (Zero)). Example: 087654, 012345
   

   Other

   Headers that can be used for sending Transactional, Service Implicit and Service Explicit message fall under other type. Same Header can be used against all three type of messages.

   Sample: PrIdEE, PRIDEE, PRIdee, pridee, etc.

   Other headers should comprise of 6 case sensitive alpha characters.

   Transactional Header:

   Message which contains One Time Password (OTP) and requires to complete a Banking Transaction initiated by the Bank Customer. This is Applicable to all Banks including National/ Scheduled/ Private/ Govt. and MNC banks.

   Sample: HDFCBK, ICICIB, BKDENA, KOTAKB, AIRBNK

   Service Implicit Header:

   Messages arising out of Customer’s actions or his Relationship with the Sender, that is not Promotional and is not in the interest of the Customer to Block such Communications. These messages may or may not be Triggered by a Subscriber- Initiated Transaction and will not be Blocked for Subscribers who have Otherwise Blocked service Messages also.

   Sample: iPaytm, JioPay, RAJSMS, GREYTI, KISSHT, BAJAJF

   Service Explicit Header:

   Any service Message which doesn’t fall under the category of service implicit will be sent only against Service Explicit, digitally verified/verifiable consent that has been taken from the Subscriber by the Respective Enterprise.

   Sample: GREYTI, FBloan, SPRcrd, MAXLIF

   Other – Government

   Only Government Entities can Register these Headers that can be used for sending Transactional, Service Implicit and Service.

   Explicit Messages. Sample: 1222, 17878, 14444, 10101010

   Other govt Headers can be in any length from 3-9 Numeric Characters and should start with 1 Only.

   MESSAGE TEMPLATE DEFINITION

   What is Message Template?

   Message Template also known as SMS content has been Widely defined under DLT. To understand this in detail we need to classify it into Two Broad Categories:

   1. Consent Template
   2. Content Template

   Consent Template

   Standard Message that is sent to end users of the Enterprise for their consent to Receive Communications from Respective Enterprise. It shouldn’t contain any Actual Message Content. This is a sort of Opt-in confirmation to end user, Opt Out procedure can also be given in the Template.

   Sample SMS Template

   We would like to send Communication Regarding all Marketing Offers and Events to our Registered Customers.

   “XYZ Limited” needs your consent in order to serve you better. We may send you Messages about your Account Information, Activity, and our Best Offers.

   We will send you Updates, Transactions, Recommendations of Our Services or Products being a Registered customer with us.

   Content Template

   Standard Message that is sent to end users of the Enterprise for their course of action or Benefit as Notification, Alert, Offer, Discount or Any Other Use. These messages can be Bbifurcated into Four Further Categories:

   1. Transactional
   2. Service Implicit
   3. Service Explicit
   4. Promotional

   Transactional Template

   Message which contains One Time Password (OTP) and requires to complete a Banking Transaction Initiated by the Bank Customer. This is applicable to all Banks including National/ Scheduled/ Private/ Govt. and MNC banks.

   It can be understood by following example:

   1. OTP SMS required for completing a Net-Banking Transaction.
   2. OTP SMS required for completing Credit/Debit Card Transaction at a Merchant Location.

   Sample SMS template:

   965439 is the OTP for Transaction of INR 87650 at XYZ App with your card XXXXX1234. OTP is valid for 10 mins. Pls do not share it with Anyone.

   9876543 is OTP for Transaction of INR 5463 at ABC Enterprises on XYZ Bank Credit Card XXXX1234. DO NOT disclose it to anyone. XYZ Bank NEVER asks for OTP.

   Service Implicit Template

   Messages Arising out of Customer’s Actions or his Relationship with the Sender, that is not Promotional and is not in the interest of the Customer to Block such Communications. These messages may or may not be Triggered by a Subscriber- Initiated Transaction and will not be Blocked for subscribers who have Otherwise Blocked Service Messages also.

   Following can be the type of such Messages:

   1. OTP required for E-Commerce Website, App Login, Social Media Apps, Authentication/ Verification Links, Securities Trading, Demat Account Operations, KYC, e-wallet Registration, etc. KYC, etc.
   2. Confirmation Messages of a Net Banking or a Credit/Debit Transaction.
   3. Product purchase confirmation.
   4. Delivery status of a parcel.
   5. Customer making payments through Payment Wallet over E-Commerce Website / mobile app and an OTP is sent to complete the Transaction.
   6. Messages from schools regarding Attendance/Transport.
   7. Periodic Balance info, Bill Generation, Bill Dispatch, due date Reminders, Recharge Confirmation (DTH, Cable, Prepaid Electricity Recharge, etc)
   8. Messages from Hospitals/Clinics Regarding Appointment/Discharge Reports.
   9. Service messages from car Workshops, Gadget Service Centres
   10. Day-end/ Month-end settlement Alerts to Securities/Demat Account Holders.
   11. Govt./TRAI/DoT Mandated Messages, Advisories, Messages from state Govt., LEAs, local Authorities, Traffic Advisories, Election Commission, Disaster Management Advisories.
   12. Messages from TSP/ISP.
   13. Messages from Hospitals/Clinics/Pharmacies/Pathologists about Registration, Appointment, Discharge, Reports.

   Sample SMS template:

   Your A/C no. XXXXX980 has been debited by Rs. 9087 The A/C balance is Rs. 87690 on 12 Jan 2050 reference no 987******0.

   Your Mobile Phone Bill has been generated please click here to check the detailed bill.

   Dear Customer, as per your request, contact details have been updated against your Insurance Account.

   Dear Customer, your order has been picked up by the delivery boy and is on his way. Your Delicious Pizza is reaching early! Track here(URL)

   Please wear mask while going out of and use Sanitizer. Stay home stay safe.

   Service Explicit Template

   These are the messages which requires Explicit Consent from Customer, that has been verified directly from the Recipient in Robust and Verifiable Manner and Recorded by consent registrar. Any service message which doesn’t fall under Service-Implicit Category.

   Additionally, Customer Consent Template needs to be Linked to Content Templates in service Explicit Category.

   Following can be the type of such messages:

   1. Any special day Greetings or Wishes to Existing Customers or Subscribe Users.
   2. Reminders for Reward Points, Cash Rewards etc.

   Sample SMS template:

   Dear Shailesh, your exclusive voucher of INR 5000 is unused please redeemed it on your next purchase with XYZ stores.

   Hi Waris, In order to best serve you and others, could you click on (URL) to share your Experience with XYZ solutions.

   Dear Hemangi, based on your values Relationship, we are Approving a per- approved Home Loan up to Rs. 2 Crore. Click here (URL). Regards, ABC Finance. T&C.

   Dear Rahul, XYZ company wants to Wish You A Very Happy Marriage Anniversary.

   Promotional Template

   Any message with an Intention to Promote or sell a Product, Goods or Service. Service content mixed with Promotional content is also treated as Promotional. These messages will be sent to Customers after Performing the Preference and Consent Scrubbing Function. Additionally, Customer Consent Template needs to be linked to Content Templates in service Explicit Category and the Mobile Subscriber has not set his Preference on DND.

   Following can be type of Promotional Messages:

   1. 1. Discounts and Offers Promotion to non DND subscriber with Consent.

   Sample SMS template:

   Lifetime Free XYZ Bank Credit Card with Vouchers from ABC, QWE, worth Rs.3000. SMS “apply” to 9876543210 TnC apply.

   You can win Rs 20,000 in Fantasy cricket use code 987654. Install ABC app now to Win Click – (URL)

   Get MY DIET by Dr.Esha & lose up-to 10Kg. No exercise,No machine. First free consultation Click (URL). To Revoke Consent, send SMS as REVOKE to 1909

   Now avail a flat 50% discount on your today’s shopping at XYZ company. Call Toll Free 1800XXXXX00 *T&C.

   Mega Sale on 27 & 29 Oct Get up to 80% OFF on over 100 brands. Register & get EXTRA Rs. 100/- OFF. Give missed call to 982XXXX234 *T&C.

   CONSENT TEMPLATE CREATION

   Consent Template Creation: Do’s and Don’ts

   While Creating Consent Template please follow below Do’s and Don’ts:

   DO’s	DON’Ts
   Choose Short Name to a Template which is Relevant. This helps in choosing Right Consent Template while Creating Content Templates in Promotional or Service Explicit Categories.	Multiple consents not required by entity unless it is required by Enterprise, like Example Mentioned explaining Brand Name Field.
   Brand name should be relevant to details mentioned in Scope of Content.	Not to use Generic Names for Templates like “Template1; etc..”
   Scope of content should be relevant to mentioned brand & intent of the consent to be mentioned.	No variable to be used in scope of consent, as variable applicable to content templates only.
   If entity wants to provide opt-out information, that needs to be provided completely. Ex: “To opt- out, send SMS as STOP to 982*****91”.	Not to mention invalid or irrelevant names under brand. This will be treated as invalid template.

   Content Template Creation Do’s and Don’ts

   While creating content template please follow below Do’s and Don’ts:

   DO’s	DON’Ts
   Use Promotional Category for Communications Intended to send from Numerical sender id only.	Not linking Consent Templates for Content Template Categories “Promotional” & “Service – Explicit”.
   Transactional category to be used by Banking Enterprises only & for OTP messages during Fund Transfer; Online Payment; Merchant Transaction only.	Using Double Spaces in Templates (this can be Pre-checked by verifying the Template on Notepad++ before Template Submission).
   Service – Explicit category needs to link consent template as well, without which the template gets Rejected.	Header Selection Against irrelevant Templates.
   Choose a Relevant/Recognizable name for Templates.	Selecting “Transactional” category by Non-Banking Enterprises.
   Use message type as “TEXT” for all General Messages & “Unicode” for Regional or Vernacular Messages.	Same Content Template against Multiple Headers.
   Variable {variable} insertion to be required against values like date; amount; a/c no; OTP; names; etc.	Templates with less than 6 char or variable Insertion alone as Template.

   Content Template Validation

   Please validate following before creating a Content Template

   1. 2 or more spaces are not supposed to use between 2 words, Before Word or After Word.
   2. All special characters are being allowed currently.
   3. Variable format is {variable} which is case sensitive.
   4. Transactional/Service category messages should have variable Mandatorily.
   5. Promotional category can have complete fixed content or with variable part.
   6. There is no limitation in no. of variable per message.
   7. Values like Amount, Date, a/c no, Merchant Names, OTP, Codes, URL, Customer Names, Card Type, etc. needs to be replaced with variables.

   Template Format for Transactional

   While uploading Transactional Template please ensure it should be following format:

   Sender ID/Message Header: should consist of 6 case Sensitive Alpha Characters.

   Template Format	Actual Message
   {variable} is the OTP for Transaction of INR {variable} at {variable} with your {variable} Card Number {variable}. OTP is valid for 10 mins.Pls do not share it with Anyone.	965439 is the OTP for Transaction of INR 87650 at XYZ App with your ABC Card XXXXX1234. OTP is valid for 10 mins. Pls do not share it with Anyone.
   {variable} is OTP for Transaction of INR {variable} at {variable} on {variable} Credit Card {variable}. DO NOT disclose it to anyone. XYZ Bank NEVER asks for OTP.	9876543 is OTP for Transaction of INR 5463 at ABC Enterprises on XYZ Bank Credit Card XXXX1234. DO NOT disclose it to anyone. XYZ Bank NEVER asks for OTP.

   Template Format for Service Implicit

   While uploading Service Implicit Template please ensure it should be following format:

   Sender ID/Message Header: should consist of 6 case Sensitive Alpha Characters.

   Template Format	Actual Message
   Your A/C no. {variable} has been debited by Rs. {variable} The A/C balance is Rs. {variable} on {variable} reference no {variable}.	Your A/C no. XXXXX980 has been debited by Rs. 9087 The A/C balance is Rs. 87690 on 12 Jan 2020 reference no 9********0.
   Your mobile number {variable} bill has been generated please click here {variable} to check the detailed bill.	Your mobile number 9829XXXX91 bill has been generated please click here www.airtel.com to check the detailed bill.
   Dear {variable}, as per your request, contact details mobile no {variable} have been updated against your insurance account no {variable}.	Dear Ramesh, as per your request, contact details mobile no 9829XXXX91 have been updated against your insurance account no XXX910.
   Dear {variable}, your order no {variable} has been picked up by the delivery boy {variable} and is on his way. Your delicious pizza is reaching early! Track here {variable}.	Dear Dinesh, your order no 12345 has been picked up by the delivery boy Mahesh and is on his way. Your delicious pizza is reaching early! Track here www.dominos.com

   Template Format for Service Explicit

   While uploading Service Explicit Template please ensure it should be following format:

   Sender ID/Message Header: should consist of 6 case sensitive alpha characters.

   Template Format	Actual Message
   Dear {variable}, your exclusive voucher of INR {variable} is unused please redeemed it on your next purchase with Life stores.	Dear Suresh, your exclusive voucher of INR 5000 is unused please redeemed it on your next purchase with Life stores.
   Hi {variable}, In order to best serve you and others, could you click on {variable} to share your experience with pride web technologies pvt ltd.	Hi Mukesh, In order to best serve you and others, could you click on www.pridewebtech.com to share your experience with telspiel.
   Dear {variable}, based on your values relationship, we are approving a per-approved {variable} loan up to Rs. {variable}. Click here {variable} Regards, Loan Finance. T&C.	Dear Srishti, based on your values relationship, we are approving a per- approved Home Loan up to Rs.5000000. Click here www.loan.com Regards, Loan Finance. T&C.
   Dear {variable}, telspiel wants to wish you an incredibly happy marriage anniversary.	Dear Shailesh, telspiel wants to wish you an incredibly happy marriage anniversary.

   Template Format for Promotional

   While uploading Promotional Template please ensure it should be following format:

   Sender ID/Message Header: should consist of 6 numeric characters and should start with the number that matches with the category prescribed by DND preference.

   Template Format	Actual Message
   Lifetime Free {variable} Bank Credit Card with Vouchers from {variable} worth Rs.{variable}. SMS {variable} to 987****210 TnC apply.	Lifetime Free XYZ Bank Credit Card with Vouchers from ABC worth Rs.3000. SMS “apply” to 9*****3210 TnC apply.
   You can win Rs {variable} in Fantasy cricket use code {variable}. Install ABC app now to Win Click {variable}.	You can win Rs 20,000 in Fantasy cricket use code 987654. Install ABC app now to Win Click www.abc.in
   Now avail a flat {variable} discount on your today’s shopping at XYZ company. Call Toll Free {variable} *T&C.	Now avail a flat 50% discount on your today’s shopping at XYZ company. Call Toll Free 180018000000 *T&C.
   Get my diet by {variable} & lose up- to 10Kg. No exercise. No machine. First free consultation Click {variable} To revoke consent, send SMS as {variable} to 1909.	Get my diet by Dr. Manisha & lose up-to 10Kg. No exercise. No machine. First free consultation Click www.doctor.in To revoke consent, send SMS as REVOKE to 1909.
   {variable} Sale on 27 & 29 Oct Get up to {variable} OFF on over {variable} brands. Register & get EXTRA Rs. {variable} OFF. Give missed call to {variable}. TnC.	Mega Sale on 27 & 29 Oct Get up to 80% OFF on over 100 brands. Register & get EXTRA Rs. 100/- OFF. Give missed call to 9*****1245. TnC.