SMS Gateway

Overview

An SMS gateway must be configured before ISPBills can send any SMS messages. SMS is used throughout the system for sending payment reminders, payment links, account expiry notices, and manual messages to customers. Without a configured and active SMS gateway, all SMS features in the system are unavailable.

Supported SMS Gateways

ISPBills supports a range of SMS providers, particularly those serving South Asian markets:

  • ADN SMS
  • ElitBuzz (sms.net.bd)
  • BulkSMSBD
  • Robi corporate SMS
  • SSL Wireless
  • Other providers may be available — check your version or contact support
  • seven.io (international)
  • SMS Astral (international)

Configuring an SMS Gateway

  1. Navigate to Settings → SMS Gateway.

  2. Select your SMS provider from the Provider dropdown.

  3. Enter the credentials required by your provider. Depending on the provider, this may include:

    Field Description
    API Key / Token The authentication key issued by your SMS provider
    Username Your account username (required by some providers)
    Password Your account password (required by some providers)
    Sender ID The name or number that appears as the sender on the customer's phone

  4. Click Save.

Note: Sender IDs may require pre-registration with your provider. Check with your SMS provider if messages are being blocked or the wrong sender name appears.

Sending a Test SMS

After saving your configuration, always verify it works before relying on it for customer communications:

  1. On the SMS Gateway settings page, find the Test SMS section.
  2. Enter a mobile number you have access to.
  3. Click Send Test SMS.
  4. If configured correctly, the test message will arrive within a few seconds.

If the test fails, double-check your credentials and ensure your account with the SMS provider is active and funded.

Viewing Your SMS Balance

Your current SMS credit balance (as reported by your provider's API) is displayed on the SMS Gateway settings page. Monitor this regularly to avoid running out of credits mid-month, which would prevent billing SMS messages from being sent.

SMS Billing History and Payments

ISPBills keeps a record of SMS usage over time. To view your SMS billing history:

  1. Navigate to Settings → SMS Gateway.
  2. Scroll to the Billing History or Usage History section.
  3. The table shows past SMS usage, charges, and payment records.

To add credit or make an SMS payment (if your provider supports it through ISPBills):

  1. Click Add Credit or Make Payment.
  2. Follow the on-screen steps to top up your SMS balance.