Configuring and checking SMS message length

With the option of sending SMS messages from epaPRO it is worth noting that if a message includes characters that are not the recognised GSM-7 type, your messages are converted into Unicode messages, there is a smaller allowance for Unicode.

When you enter in text into the epaPRO Comms Templates for SMS it is important to not copy the text from something like Word, as it can covert the characters into Unicode for you. Try using a simple text editor like notepad. Or type them directly into the field available in the comms template screen.

Explanation on charsets

GSM-7

SMS are typically sent out with the GSM-7 charset covering most characters. When SMS is sent in the GSM-7 charset, each character is seen as just one character in an SMS message.

In the table below, you will find the standard characters under the GSM-7 charset. The characters in the table are considered standard, but may not show on the receiver's phone, depending on the handset's capabilities.

The following characters are part of the GSM-7 charset but equate to two characters in a text message:

Copy

Unicode

When using the Unicode charset, each character is seen as two characters. This decreases the number of characters you can put in your SMS from 160 to 70.

Online Checking Tool

You can use this free tool to paste your SMS wording in, to check if it will appear as GSM-7 or as Unicode.

SMS Length Calculator | SMSZap

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