To send SMS and WhatsApp messages to Indian numbers using an Indian phone number while ensuring compliance with Indian regulations, you’ll need to follow these step-by-step instructions. This applies to scenarios where your website is India-specific, and you want to integrate both SMS and WhatsApp messaging functionalities.

Step 1: Acquire an Indian Phone Number

1. Contact a Local Telecom Provider:
   • Providers like Airtel, Jio, or Vodafone Idea can supply an Indian mobile or virtual number.
   • Choose a number capable of supporting SMS and WhatsApp.
   • Ensure the number is registered in your business name.
2. WhatsApp Compatibility:
   • Confirm with the provider that the number can be used for WhatsApp Business API.

Step 2: Register Your Business on DLT Platforms

India mandates compliance with TRAI’s Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) framework for SMS services.

1. Sign Up on a DLT Platform:
   • Choose a DLT platform such as:
     • Airtel DLT: DLT Registration – Airtel
     • Jio DLT: DLT Registration – Jio
     • Vodafone Idea DLT: DLT Registration – Vodafone Idea
2. Register Your Business:
   • Provide your business name, PAN details, and proof of registration.
3. Register Sender IDs:
   • Alphanumeric sender IDs (e.g., MYBRAND) are used for transactional SMS.
4. Approve Message Templates:
   • Submit predefined SMS templates for approval (e.g., OTP messages, notifications).

Step 3: Set Up SMS Messaging with Twilio

1. Create a Twilio Account:
   • Sign up at Twilio and upgrade to a paid plan.
2. Configure Messaging Services:
   • Go to the Messaging Services section in the Twilio console.
   • Add your registered alphanumeric sender ID or phone number.
3. Set Up API Integration:
   • Use Twilio’s SMS API to send messages programmatically.
   • Customize your messaging workflows in your website backend.

Step 4: Set Up WhatsApp Business Messaging with Twilio

1. Onboard with WhatsApp Business API:
   • Contact Twilio support to initiate the WhatsApp Business API onboarding process.
   • Provide the Indian number you acquired and register it for WhatsApp.
   • Verify your Facebook Business Manager account, as this is required by WhatsApp.
2. Approval Process:
   • Submit your business information and use case to WhatsApp via Twilio.
   • WhatsApp will review and approve your account.
3. Link the Number:
   • Once approved, Twilio will enable the number for WhatsApp messaging.
4. Set Up WhatsApp Templates:
   • WhatsApp requires pre-approved message templates for non-session messages (e.g., notifications, OTPs).
   • Submit templates for approval via Twilio’s console.
5. Integrate WhatsApp API:
   • Use Twilio’s WhatsApp API to send messages programmatically.

Step 5: Test the Setup

1. Test SMS Delivery:
   • Send test SMS messages from your website using Twilio’s messaging API.
   • Ensure compliance with Indian DLT regulations.
2. Test WhatsApp Messages:
   • Send test WhatsApp templates and session messages to Indian numbers.
   • Verify template formatting and delivery.

Step 6: Monitor and Optimize

1. Track Performance:
   • Use Twilio’s analytics tools to monitor message delivery and engagement.
2. Handle Failures:
   • Implement fallback mechanisms (e.g., resend via SMS if WhatsApp fails).

Tools and Resources You Need

1. Twilio APIs:
   • Twilio SMS API
   • Twilio WhatsApp API
2. DLT Compliance Resources:
   • DLT platform documentation and support.
3. Backend Development:
   • Integrate Twilio APIs into your website backend using programming languages like Python, PHP, Node.js, etc.

Key Considerations

1. Regulatory Compliance:
   • Ensure all SMS and WhatsApp messages comply with TRAI guidelines.
2. Template Approvals:
   • Both SMS and WhatsApp require pre-approved message templates for business use cases.
3. Costs:
   • Twilio charges for SMS and WhatsApp usage, while DLT registration may involve additional fees.

By following these steps, you can set up a robust system to send SMS and WhatsApp messages to Indian users from an Indian number via your India-specific website.

Rajesh Kumar

I’m a DevOps/SRE/DevSecOps/Cloud Expert passionate about sharing knowledge and experiences. I am working at Cotocus. I blog tech insights at DevOps School, travel stories at Holiday Landmark, stock market tips at Stocks Mantra, health and fitness guidance at My Medic Plus, product reviews at I reviewed , and SEO strategies at Wizbrand. 

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