Choosing SMS
How to choose a bulk SMS provider in Bangladesh: a 9-point checklist
By the Amar SMS team7 min read
Quick answer
Compare providers on nine points: a published per-SMS price, what the rate includes (MNP, setup, masking fees), delivery to all five operators, real-time delivery reports, a documented API, Bangla support, easy top-up, SMS validity and a free test. Then send the same test message through each shortlisted provider before buying volume.
Key takeaways
- A published price per SMS beats “call us for rates”.
- Check what the rate includes: MNP charge, setup fee, masking registration.
- Real-time delivery reports are the only way to know what you paid for actually arrived.
- Test with free SMS on all five operators before you recharge.
- Compare total cost: rate × SMS parts × recipients, and how long the SMS stay valid.
The 9-point checklist
| Check | Why it matters | How to verify |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Published price per SMS | Hidden prices make comparison impossible | Look for a public price list with every plan |
| 2. What the rate includes | MNP, setup or masking fees can add up | Ask for the all-in cost of 1 SMS to a ported number |
| 3. All five operators | Missing one operator means missing customers | Test numbers on GP, Robi, Banglalink, Airtel and Teletalk |
| 4. Delivery reports | Proves each SMS arrived | Check delivered / pending / failed per number |
| 5. Masking terms | Registration fees and timelines vary | Ask the fee, documents and who applies to the operators |
| 6. API and plugins | Needed for OTP and automatic updates | Read the API docs; look for webhooks and code samples |
| 7. Bangla support | Bangla SMS and local help matter | Send a Bangla test; call or WhatsApp support |
| 8. Top-up and validity | Balance that expires is money lost | Check payment methods and how long SMS stay valid |
| 9. Free test | Lets you judge quality before paying | Ask for test SMS on a new account |
Red flags to watch for
- Prices only “on request”, or a rate that excludes the MNP charge.
- A paid masking registration, or no clear answer on who handles operator approval.
- No delivery report, or only a summary instead of per-number status.
- No way to test before paying.
- SMS that expire quickly unless you recharge again.
- Promises that sound impossible, such as guaranteed 100% delivery to every number.
How to run a fair test
- 1
Prepare test numbers
One number on each operator, including at least one ported (MNP) number.
- 2
Send the same message
Use one Bangla and one English message through every provider you shortlisted.
- 3
Time the arrival
Note how long each SMS takes to arrive on each phone.
- 4
Compare the reports
Check that the delivery report matches what actually arrived.
- 5
Ask support a question
See how fast and how clearly they answer, in Bangla if you prefer.
Compare the total cost, not just the rate
The rate per SMS is only part of the cost. Work out rate × SMS parts × recipients, then add any setup or masking fees and consider how long the balance stays valid.
A Bangla message of 71 characters is 2 SMS, so it costs twice as much as one of 70 characters (why). Check your real messages in the character counter before comparing quotes.
How Amar SMS answers the checklist
| Check | Amar SMS |
|---|---|
| Price per SMS | Public: non-masking ৳0.29–৳0.35, masking ৳0.49–৳0.58, OTP from ৳0.35 |
| What's included | MNP charge included, no setup fee |
| Masking registration | Free; NID + trade license; we submit to the operators |
| Operators | Grameenphone, Robi, Banglalink, Airtel and Teletalk |
| Delivery reports | Real time, per number |
| API | Free REST API with webhooks; WordPress, WooCommerce, Laravel, WHMCS |
| Support | Bangla and English, by phone and WhatsApp |
| Top-up | bKash, Nagad, Rocket or card |
| Free test | 10 free test SMS after account approval |
Judge us the same way as everyone else: create a free account and run the test above.
