ACMA Compliance

Where can I find out more about the new regulatory requirements?

You can read more about the new rules on ACMA’s website.

What is an Alphanumeric Source Mask?

When sending a message to the mobile networks for delivery to a mobile handset, a source (or MSISDN) is used. This value is what a text message appears from when arriving on the handset and limited to 11 characters.

In Australia, you can submit a ‘Sender ID’ or a ‘source mask’ so that the text message appears from a different value, like a company’s brand name i.e. MODICA, instead of a MSISDN (A number starting with +614)
A sender ID is a value defined by our customers either within your own systems and submitted to Modica via an API SMS Gateway or configured when using one a Modica off the shelf product.

I am not based in Australia, why is this change impacting me?

If you have received our email communication about the new ACMA rules, then you’re likely a customer who we have identified has the capability to send into Australia. The new rules apply to all messages that are sent to Australia, regardless of where the sender is based.

What information will I have to provide?

You will need to provide;

The Sender ID you want to use / register (including any variations of this);
The name, title and contact details of the person authorising or giving permission;
Information about your organisation including business address and registered business details;
The general purpose of the service (i.e. for marketing alerts, 2FA etc); and
Confirmation that you have evidence of the valid use case to use the relevant Sender ID (valid use cases listed below); and
If you are sending on behalf of another company (for example, you are a messaging aggregator), you’ll need to provide the above details for the brand you are sending on behalf of as well.

What is a valid use case?

The Sender ID should match:

The name of your business on the Australian Business Register, or the equivalent business register in your country
The name of your business on the Australian Companies Register
A registered trademark for your organisation
The registered domain for your organisation

Does the person authorising the use of a company’s brand, need to have a particular job title?

No - as long as they are allowed to authorise the use of the brand for the purposes of sending text messages. It is up to that person to ensure they have authority from the right internal teams.