Connecting with customers throughout the year is key, but the festive season offers a unique opportunity to show them you care beyond a simple sale. Many leading brands send festival wishes to their customers, a gesture that builds loyalty and shows genuine appreciation. One of the most effective ways to do this is by using a bulk SMS service. This post will guide you through the simple process. A Step-by-Step Guide to Sending Festival Greetings Sending heartfelt wishes to your entire customer base can be done in minutes. Follow these four simple steps to get your message out. Step 1: Prepare Your Essentials Before you begin, you need three key items. First, a bulk SMS platform like Sparrow SMS. Second, a prepared SMS template with your festive message. Finally, have your customer contact list ready and organized. Step 2: Upload Your Contact List Log in to your SMS platform and navigate to the contacts section. Here, you will upload the spreadsheet containing your customers’ phone numbers. Step 3: Select Your SMS Template Once your contacts are uploaded, it’s time to craft your message. You can either write a new message or simply select the pre-written festival SMS template you prepared earlier. Step 4: Schedule or Send Your Message With your audience and message in place, you have two options. You can either send the SMS campaign immediately or schedule it to be delivered at the perfect moment during the festival.
Activating a bulk SMS service in Nepal begins with identifying the right provider for your specific needs. The most critical first step is to research and select the best bulk SMS service provider that aligns with your communication goals. A highly-regarded option to consider is Sparrow SMS. You can contact their team directly at 980-2005007 or sign up on their website at www.sparrowsms.com. Once you make contact, their team will guide you through the account activation process. To ensure a smooth setup, you must first be clear about your requirements. Sparrow SMS offers three distinct modules to cater to different use cases: Bulk SMS Portal: This is the ideal choice if you need to send messages frequently. It provides you with a dedicated system to manage and send SMS campaigns on your own. Bulk SMS API: If you have an existing system, such as a website or application, and want to integrate SMS functionality for OTPs, transactional alerts, or promotional messages in an automated way, the API is the perfect solution. One-Time Service: For those who only need to send SMS for a single campaign and do not require a recurring service, this option is most suitable. You simply provide your contact list and message, and the Sparrow SMS team will handle the entire sending process for you. After deciding which module best fits your strategy, inform the Sparrow SMS team of your choice. The final steps involve completing a formal agreement and purchasing SMS credits. Once these are finalized, your bulk SMS service will be activated and ready to use. Frequently asked Questions 1. Which is top bulk sms service provider through which i can activate my service ? Answer : There are many bulk sms service providers who offers the mass messageing service in nepal if you are seeking for enterprise level higely reliable sms service you can consider the sparrow sms. 2. Do i need a technical knowledge for sending the bulk sms ? Answer : If you are planning to send the bulk sms via the bulk sms portal or via the one time you don’t need the technical knowledge if you see our tutorial you can do it in 5 minute but if you are planning to integrate the sms service via the sms api to your system you need a technical knowledge or developer to do that. 3. Who is the leading bulk sms service provider in Nepal ? Answer : Sparrow SMS is considered as a pioneer of Bulk SMS service in Nepal as it has been leading the industry from 15 years.
As Nepal prepares for the vibrant festivities of Dashain and Tihar, businesses across all sectors are looking for effective ways to connect with their customers. From e-commerce and finance to education and software companies, the festive season is a prime opportunity for engagement. While social media and email are popular channels, SMS marketing offers a direct and personal way to reach your existing customer base. This year, Sparrow SMS is making it easier for businesses to launch their festive campaigns with a special offer designed for Dashain and Tihar. What kind of SMS can you send in festivals ? During Dashain and Tihar, your customers are actively looking for offers and greetings. SMS marketing cuts through the noise, delivering your message directly to their mobile phones. With exceptionally high open rates, it’s a reliable channel for immediate communication. Businesses can leverage two primary types of messages during this time: What is the pricing of bulk sms service in this offer ? To help you get started, Sparrow SMS is offering special pricing on bulk SMS packages. This is a cost-effective solution to ensure your message reaches your entire customer base. Here are the details of the festive offer: SMS Volume Total Price (NRS) Per SMS Rate (NRS) Price Including VAT (NRS) 5,000 SMS 4,750 0.95 5,368 15,000 SMS 12,750 0.85 14,408 25,000 SMS 18,750 0.75 21,188 This tiered pricing structure provides flexibility for businesses of all sizes to choose a plan that fits their marketing budget. How to send the festival wishes in Nepal ? Launching your Dashain and Tihar SMS campaign with Sparrow SMS is a straightforward process. As a leading bulk SMS service provider in Nepal, Sparrow SMS ensures a simple and efficient setup. Follow these simple steps to activate your offer: Frequently Asked Questions 1. What happens if I don’t use all the SMS from my package during the Dashain and Tihar season?Answer : Any unused SMS credits in your account do not expire immediately after the festival. Your remaining SMS balance can be used for future marketing campaigns, transactional alerts, or customer notifications, giving you continued value long after the festive season ends. 2. Can I send messages in the Nepali language using Devanagari script?Answer : Yes, absolutely. The Sparrow SMS platform fully supports Unicode, which allows you to send messages in Nepali script (Devanagari). This is highly recommended for festive wishes and targeted promotions to create a more personal and culturally relevant connection with your audience. 3. How long does it typically take to get my account activated after submitting the sign-up form?Answer : Our team is dedicated to getting you started as quickly as possible. After you fill out the sign-up form, a representative will contact you, typically within one business day, to finalize the setup and activate your account so you can launch your festive campaigns without delay. 4. Is this festive offer available for existing Sparrow SMS customers?Answer : This promotional pricing is designed to welcome new businesses to our platform. However, existing customers are encouraged to contact their account managers to discuss potential package upgrades or customized deals available to them during the Dashain and Tihar festive period.
Sparrow SMS is seeing a sharp rise in fake messages that are tricking people across the country. Our CEO, Manoj Thapa, has issued a critical warning about sophisticated SMS scams that are causing significant financial losses to unsuspecting victims. At Sparrow SMS, we take our responsibility seriously in protecting users from malicious actors who exploit our communication channels for fraudulent purposes. 1. What We’re Seeing Through our extensive network and trend monitoring , we’ve identified a disturbing trend of cybercriminals impersonating legitimate financial institutions through SMS channels. These fraudulent messages are becoming increasingly sophisticated and harder to detect. 1.1 Our technical team has documented several common fraud patterns: As Sparrow SMS processes millions of messages daily, we’ve witnessed firsthand and from other service providers also on how these scams have evolved from simple text-based tricks to sophisticated social engineering attacks. 2. Critical Warning Signs: Sparrow SMS Expert Guidelines Our CEO Manoj Thapa emphasizes a fundamental truth: legitimate financial institutions will never request sensitive information through unsolicited SMS messages. This principle should guide every user’s response to unexpected financial communications. 2.1.1 Immediate Danger Signals: 2.1.2 Technical Red Flags Our System Detects: 3. Sparrow SMS Recommended Protection Protocol Based on our extensive experience managing Nepal’s SMS infrastructure, Sparrow SMS recommends following this comprehensive protection strategy: 3.1 Immediate Response Protocol: SMS scams are getting smarter, but you can avoid them by staying careful. Always double-check before clicking any link or sharing personal details, and report suspicious texts right away. Together, we can make SMS communication safer for everyone.
The Heart of Enterprise Communication in Nepal For 15 years, Sparrow SMS has been the engine behind business communication in Nepal. From a simple solution to a common problem, it has evolved into a powerful messaging platform terminating over 36 million messages every month. Today, Sparrow SMS is integral to the operations of more than 8,000 businesses across the nation, serving sectors ranging from banking and education to healthcare, governmental organizations, and non-governmental organizations to the every big Enterprise of the country through the Bulk SMS Service In Nepal. Our robust platform is the trusted choice for: This widespread adoption underscores our role as the heart of instant and reliable information flow for the country’s leading organizations. The Enduring Power of SMS Marketing In an increasingly digital world, why is SMS experiencing significant growth? The answer lies in its universal reach. Internet penetration isn’t absolute; many individuals either don’t use the internet or have devices that don’t support it. However, nearly every mobile phone can receive an SMS. This makes SMS an incredibly effective tool for both marketing and critical communications. Businesses are leveraging Sparrow SMS service to run promotional campaigns with broad reach and to deliver urgent updates when it matters most. This direct line to the customer is why we’re seeing a substantial rise in the use of SMS for marketing and promotional activities. What’s Next: The Future of Enterprise Messaging Our vision is to evolve Sparrow SMS into a comprehensive enterprise messaging suite. We are committed to building a single, powerful Brand that integrates multiple channels to meet all your business communication needs. Sparrow SMS Is Delivering : We are continuously improving our international-grade system to provide a seamless experience, saving you time and energy to focus on what truly matters growing your business. Your Partner in Seamless Communication From humble beginnings to becoming a leader in Nepal’s messaging landscape, Sparrow SMS is dedicated to empowering businesses. With a proven track record and a clear vision for the future, we are more than a SMS service provider; we are your partner in growth and communication. 1. When was Sparrow SMS Founded ? Ans : Sparrow sms is founded in 2010. 2. Can we send bulk SMS Using Sparrow sms ? Ans : yes you can send bulk sms using sparrow sms service. 3. Can We integrate a Sparrow sms in our system ? Ans : Yes you can integrate a Sparrow sms in your system using Sparrow SMS API Gateway. 4. For what purpose I Can use Sparrow SMS Service ? Ans : For sending information, transactional, promotional and authentication either in manual or automated manner you can use sparrow sms service
Yes, you absolutely can send 2-way messages using Sparrow SMS. This functionality is enabled through the Pull Bulk SMS service, a powerful tool for creating interactive campaigns in Nepal, including SMS voting, results publication, and automated responses. Two Ways of Sending SMS Understanding the distinction between push and pull messaging is key to leveraging SMS services effectively. Basic Concept of 2-Way Messaging Two-way SMS is an interactive conversation initiated by either the sender or the receiver, typically involving a keyword and a shortcode. Major Modules in 2-Way Messaging Service When you subscribe to Sparrow SMS’s 2-way messaging service, you gain access to several powerful modules designed for specific use cases. 1. Autoresponder This module is widely used for automated confirmations, especially in event registration. For example, during the NADA Auto Show, attendees could text their name with a specific keyword to a shortcode. They would instantly receive a registration confirmation, and their details would be saved in the organizer’s database, saving significant time for everyone involved. 2. Coupon Management A popular tool for SMS marketing campaigns, this module allows businesses to distribute unique vouchers. For instance, Coca-Cola Nepal ran campaigns where customers could find a code under the bottle cap. By sending this code to a designated shortcode, they would receive digital vouchers and other offers. 3. API Incoming Focused on security and verification, this module is crucial for authentication processes and is distinct from promotional messaging. Many leading banks and digital wallets in Nepal use it. When you request a One-Time Password (OTP) for login verification, the system uses the API Incoming module to process your request and validate your identity securely. 4. Result Sparrow SMS collaborates with numerous schools and colleges to publish academic results efficiently. Students can simply text their unique symbol number to a specific shortcode and receive their results instantly on their mobile phones. 5. Voting Essential for reality shows and public contests, this module facilitates mass participation. Viewers can vote for their favorite contestant by typing a unique contestant number and sending it to the official shortcode, making the voting process seamless and accessible. Conclusion Two-way messaging with Sparrow SMS is far more than just sending and receiving texts; it is a complete interactive communication solution. With powerful modules for autoresponders, coupon management, secure API access, results, and voting, it empowers businesses, institutions, and organizers across Nepal to engage their audience, deliver instant information, and build stronger connections. This service transforms standard communication into an effective, interactive, and engaging experience.
1. What is Sparrow SMS API? If you are developing your own system and need to send SMS in bulk and automatically based on specific triggers, manual methods of uploading and sending SMS will not suffice. Your system needs to connect with a bulk SMS platform like Sparrow SMS. The Application Programming Interface (API) acts as the crucial component facilitating this connection. The Sparrow SMS API is fundamentally responsible for sending and receiving bulk messages. It can be easily integrated into various systems, whether you are a bank, college, school, software company, or any organization requiring automated messaging for promotional, transactional, informational SMS, or OTPs. 2. What languages are supported by the Sparrow SMS API? The Sparrow SMS API supports integration with virtually any programming language through standard HTTP GET and HTTP POST request methods. This includes popular languages like Python, Java, .NET, and PHP. However, as WordPress is a CMS platform, we currently do not offer a dedicated plugin for direct integration. For those seeking a foundational understanding, our comprehensive overview of bulk messaging services in Nepal, provides a comprehensive overview of the broader landscape of bulk messaging. For detailed understanding of sparrow sms api visit our api documentation page. 3. How do brands use the Sparrow SMS API in Nepal? Leading enterprises in Nepal, such as Pathao, IME by Khalti, and Veda, leverage the Sparrow SMS API for diverse purposes. These range from simple OTP verifications to large-scale SMS marketing campaigns and critical automated alerts. The Sparrow SMS API is highly robust, enabling the sending of millions of messages in approximately 3 to 4 seconds based on system triggers, ensuring a highly automated process. For detailed technical information, please refer to our comprehensive SMS API documentation. 4. Sparrow SMS is a leading SMS service provider in Nepal Since 2010, Sparrow SMS has proudly served over 7000+ enterprises in Nepal, including SMEs, governmental, non-governmental, educational, financial, and commercial organizations. Our powerful, scalable, and robust platform facilitates seamless communication through SMS. We are committed to providing reliable and efficient bulk SMS services to meet the diverse needs of businesses across Nepal.
When exploring business communication solutions, many companies find themselves comparing different messaging approaches. Two popular options that often create confusion are SMS API and bulk SMS platform solutions. While both enable businesses to reach customers through text messaging, they serve distinctly different purposes and operate through unique methodologies. Understanding these differences becomes crucial when selecting the right communication strategy for your organization. The choice between an SMS API gateway and a bulk SMS service can significantly impact your operational efficiency, automation capabilities, and overall messaging success. 1. What Is a Bulk SMS Platform? A bulk SMS platform represents a user-friendly, web-based solution designed for sending large volumes of text messages simultaneously. This bulk SMS service operates through an intuitive interface where users can manually upload contact lists, compose messages, and schedule deliveries to multiple recipients at once. 1.1 Key Features of Bulk SMS Software Modern bulk SMS software offers several essential capabilities that make mass communication manageable for businesses of all sizes. These platforms typically include contact management systems, message scheduling options, and basic analytics to track delivery performance. The bulk SMS gateway technology behind these platforms ensures reliable message delivery across different mobile networks. Most bulk SMS features include template libraries, personalization options, and the ability to segment contact lists for targeted campaigns. 1.2 Benefits of Using Bulk SMS Service Organizations choosing bulk SMS integration gain access to straightforward mass texting service capabilities without requiring technical expertise. The bulk SMS setup process remains simple, often requiring only account registration and contact list preparation. Bulk SMS customization options allow businesses to tailor messages according to their brand voice and campaign objectives. The platform’s bulk SMS security measures protect sensitive customer data while ensuring compliance with messaging regulations. 2. Understanding SMS API Solutions An SMS API represents a programmatic interface that enables applications and systems to send text messages automatically. Unlike manual bulk SMS platforms, an SMS gateway API integrates directly with existing business software to trigger messages based on specific events or user actions. 2.1 SMS API Integration Capabilities SMS API integration allows businesses to embed messaging functionality directly into their websites, mobile applications, or customer relationship management systems. This SMS API service provides real-time communication capabilities that respond instantly to user behaviors or system events. The SMS API software architecture supports various programming languages and frameworks, making it accessible to developers across different technical environments. Advanced SMS API features include delivery confirmations, message status tracking, and detailed analytics for performance optimization. 2.2 Advantages of SMS API Implementation SMS API setup enables businesses to achieve seamless automation in their communication workflows. The SMS API customization options provide flexibility to create highly personalized messaging experiences based on user data and behavioral triggers. SMS API security protocols ensure encrypted data transmission and secure authentication processes. The SMS API compliance features help businesses adhere to regulatory requirements while maintaining customer trust and data protection standards. 3. Bulk SMS Platform vs SMS API: Core Differences The fundamental distinction between these approaches lies in their operational methodology and integration requirements. Bulk SMS platforms excel in manual campaign management, while SMS API solutions provide automated, system-driven messaging capabilities. 3.1 Delivery and Performance Comparison Both bulk SMS delivery rates and SMS API delivery rates depend on the underlying gateway infrastructure and network partnerships. However, SMS API solutions often provide more detailed delivery tracking and real-time status updates compared to traditional bulk SMS platforms. Bulk SMS open rates and SMS API open rates vary based on message timing, content relevance, and recipient engagement patterns. SMS API solutions typically achieve higher engagement due to their contextual, trigger-based nature. 3.2 Analytics and Tracking Capabilities Bulk SMS tracking features usually include basic delivery reports and campaign performance metrics. In contrast, SMS API tracking provides granular insights into message lifecycle events, including delivery attempts, failures, and recipient interactions. Bulk SMS analytics offer campaign-level insights suitable for marketing performance evaluation. SMS API analytics deliver real-time operational data that helps optimize automated messaging workflows and system performance. 4. Choosing the Right Solution for Your Business 4.1 For Small Business Applications Small organizations often benefit from bulk SMS for small business applications due to their straightforward setup and minimal technical requirements. These solutions provide cost-effective access to mass messaging capabilities without significant infrastructure investments. However, growing businesses may find SMS API for small business more valuable when they need to integrate messaging with customer support systems, e-commerce platforms, or appointment booking software. 4.2 Enterprise-Level Considerations Large organizations typically require bulk SMS for enterprise solutions that can handle massive contact databases and complex campaign management requirements. Enterprise bulk SMS platforms offer advanced segmentation, workflow automation, and team collaboration features. Simultaneously, SMS API for enterprise applications become essential when organizations need to integrate messaging across multiple systems, departments, and customer touchpoints for comprehensive communication automation. 5. Technical Implementation Factors 5.1 Learning Curve and Setup Requirements The bulk SMS learning curve remains minimal, as most platforms offer intuitive interfaces that non-technical users can master quickly. Basic bulk SMS tools require little training beyond understanding contact management and message composition principles. Conversely, the SMS API learning curve involves programming knowledge and system integration expertise. Organizations need dedicated SMS API tools and development resources to implement and maintain API-based messaging solutions effectively. 5.2 Scalability Considerations Bulk SMS scalability depends on the platform’s infrastructure capacity and pricing model. Most services can accommodate growing contact lists and increased messaging volumes through tiered pricing structures. SMS API scalability offers more flexible growth options, as the programmatic nature allows businesses to scale messaging volumes based on actual system usage and user interactions rather than predetermined contact list sizes. 6. Cost Analysis and ROI Considerations 6.1 Pricing Structure Comparison Bulk SMS pricing typically follows volume-based models where businesses pay per message sent or maintain monthly subscription plans based on messaging quotas. This predictable bulk SMS ROI calculation helps organizations budget their communication expenses effectively. SMS API pricing often combines base subscription fees with usage-based charges, reflecting the more sophisticated infrastructure and automation capabilities. The SMS API ROI calculations should consider both direct messaging costs and the operational
Your competitor just sent the perfect offer to your customers at 6 PM. You? Still planning to send yours manually tomorrow morning when everyone’s forgotten about their shopping plans. That’s the difference between businesses that grow and those that wonder why SMS marketing “doesn’t work.” Scheduling SMS campaigns isn’t just convenient – it’s survival. Why Is Scheduling SMS Campaigns a Must-Have for Businesses Today? Here’s what happens when you DON’T schedule your SMS campaigns: Your perfectly crafted message is not arriving in right time Your customers are annoyed. Your brand looks unprofessional. Your sales drop. Meanwhile, smart businesses using automated SMS scheduling see 30% higher open rates. They’re not glued to their phones at all the time hitting “send.” They planned ahead. Sparrow SMS data from processing over 3 million monthly messages across Nepal shows automated campaigns consistently outperform manual sends. read our detailed guide on bulk sms service in Nepal to know more. Industries like retail, education, and finance have discovered this secret. Retail stores trigger sale alerts during lunch breaks when people browse online. Schools send event notifications when parents actually read them. Banks deliver payment reminders before it’s too late. While you’re manually sending messages, your competition is already winning with automation. How Do I Actually Schedule a Text Message Campaign for My Business? Stop wasting time with manual sends. Here’s exactly how Nepal’s top businesses automate their SMS campaigns using Sparrow SMS: The 7-step process that works: Login to your Sparrow SMS web platform – the same system trusted by major Nepali enterprises and government agencies. 1. Click “Send SMS” from your dashboard. 2. Select your sender identity, upload contact lists, and write your winning message. 3. Click “Advanced Options” to access the scheduling power most businesses ignore. 4. Tick the “Schedule” checkbox – this single action will change your marketing game. 5. Insert your target date and time in 24-hour format (14:30 for 2:30 PM). 6. Click “Submit” and confirm – your campaign now runs automatically. That’s it. While you focus on growing your business, Sparrow SMS handles delivery with Nepal’s highest success rates. What Are the Best Practices for Timing and Personalizing Scheduled SMS? Timing separates winners from losers in SMS marketing. Test different time slots because your customers aren’t all the same. B2B messages work best in morning hours when decision-makers are alert. Retail promotions convert better in evenings when people plan purchases. But timing alone isn’t enough. Personalization increases engagement by 40%. Generic “Dear Customer” messages scream lazy marketing. Use names, reference past purchases, acknowledge customer preferences. Smart businesses segment their lists. New customers need different messages than loyal buyers. Location matters too – Kathmandu customers behave differently than Pokhara customers. Custom variables transform boring texts into personal conversations. Include purchase history, birthday reminders, location-specific offers. The businesses winning with SMS scheduling know this: Every message should feel like it was written specifically for that person at that moment. What Are the Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Automating Your SMS Messages? These mistakes kill SMS campaigns before they start: 1. Over-scheduling without testing turns customers into enemies. Don’t bombard people daily just because you can automate it. Test response rates first. 2. Wrong timezone settings destroy campaigns instantly. Your 10 AM promotional message becomes a 3 AM nightmare that gets your number blocked. 3. Repetitive, generic content in automated sequences makes customers hit “unsubscribe” faster than you can say “bulk SMS service.” 4. Ignoring weekends and holidays shows you don’t respect customers’ personal time. Schedule around major festivals and religious holidays. 5. The biggest mistake? Not using a reliable platform. When your SMS automation fails during peak sales periods, you lose money and trust. Ready to stop losing customers to poor timing? Sparrow SMS offers Nepal’s most reliable bulk SMS service with advanced scheduling features that actually work. Our platform delivers over 900000 messages daily with industry-leading success rates. Start scheduling SMS campaigns in right way for your business.
Bulk SMS service in Nepal is the most dependable way to communicate when you need to contact thousands in an instant. From the crowded streets of Kathmandu to villages in the far Himalayas, SMS is the one communication channel connecting businesses to people, literally everywhere. This guide will cover everything you need to know about bulk SMS service in Nepal how it works, why it beats other channels, and how to use it. Regardless of whether you are a startup in Pokhara or an ongoing brand in the capital, the knowledge of bulk SMS will change the way you communicate. What is Bulk SMS Service in Nepal? Bulk SMS service in Nepal is redefining communications for organizations delivering thousands of messages in seconds through specialized digital distribution gateways. Bulk SMS is much different than traditional one-to-one texting because we are doing things enterprise scale sending personalized messages to the entirety of customer lists in seconds instead of hours. The magic of bulk SMS service lies in universal reach and immediate impact. SMS messages land directly in SMS inboxes without being filtered as spam, or requiring app downloads and the internet. Considering SMS has a 98% open rate in under 3 minutes, and email has a 20% open rate in 24 hours (Mobile Marketing Association, 2024), businesses now have unprecedented access to customer engagement. In Nepal, bulk SMS service is even more impactful because it works anywhere. While internet penetration in Nepal is 95% in urban Kathmandu and only 45% in the remote mountain regions, mobile phone coverage is 97% (NTA, 2024). This means your message will get to the tech entrepreneur in Thamel with as much certainty as it will get to the farmer in Mustang. And, the real-world benefits are obvious. When Nepal Life insurance needs to communicate with 1.2 million policyholders regarding claim updates and information, bulk SMS ensures they give 100% delivery without regards to whether someone owns a smartphone, has internet access, or even the quality of their networks. Through public and private sector stalwarts like Sparrow SMS, and since it began operations in 2010, there is currently approximately 350 million of these messages being sent each year across all 77 districts of Nepal not to mention the communication infrastructure it builds to connect every corner of country. A Brief History of Bulk SMS The idea of bulk SMS started in 1992, when a British engineer sent the first text message in the world: “Merry Christmas.” From then on, SMS became the normal way for businesses around the world, including in Nepal, by the early 2000s everyone and everything from alerts, promotions, and updates was using or getting SMS messages that were limited to 160 characters. But if I may say, the conditions of limited internet access and mobile use required a change, which will be talked about hereafter, in its idea of SMS articles, from the early start of the bulk SMS industry, to explore the possible uses of bulk SMS. Fast forward to 2010, when Sparrow SMS asked us a simple but bold question: why not use the most common feature of the phone (the text message) to get urgent information to people anywhere, right away? At a time when smartphones were rare and 4G did not exist, Sparrow SMS changed Nepal’s communication experience. Their first major product – giving SLC (SEE) exam results by SMS – took this service from helping the farmers of Ramechhap, bankers in New Road, and teachers in Pokhara – being able to send out messages within minutes compared to a before very slow postal service and internet service, that were also unreliable. This was not only a technology change – it changed the cultural view of how messages connected people from urban Nepal to rural Nepal, and on absolutely quick time. By the time I had come back to Nepal in 2015, mobile subscriptions had grown to 22 million (NTA, 2015), and the idea of Sparrow SMS had started the very first industry known today as bulk SMS, and there are now, over the past almost 15 years, over 7,000 businesses counted using, and sending over 250 million messages every year by 2025. This early success made the base for what is now a national tool. Banks used SMS alerts to cut visits to the branch by 38%. Schools informed 100% of parents about each of their exams in less than five minutes. Retailers used flash-sale messages to make 10x ROI compared to newspaper ads. And during the earthquake in 2015, SMS became a lifeline – sending updates to rural communities where no other way was available. With the Sparrow SMS cloud-based platforms and APIs, we knew we were setting a rule for the industry, giving safe and scalable communications (not just for business) to many areas, from farming to INGOs. Today, bulk SMS is no longer just a simple marketing tool for companies in Nepal – it is a driver for social and economic importance, connecting communities in a society where 97% of people have a mobile phone (NTA, 2024). So why does SMS grow in Nepal with its special situation? Let’s take a look back at Sparrow SMS’s 15-year journey. What are the types of Bulk SMS ? From sending offers to promote sales, sending alerts to confirm payments, alerting communities with important notifications, or protecting accounts with OTP’s, bulk SMS serves a number of different objectives. Promotional SMS messages encourage people to engage, transactional SMS helps people to receive important time sensitive alerts (that may require action), informational SMS connects communities of people with common purposes, and OTP SMS sends assurances that their digital actions are protected. Understanding that SMS comes in four different flavours gets a business more opportunity to leverage a digital communication with a specific outcome in mind. Type Purpose Example Delivery Time Use Case in Nepal Promotional Drive sales “50% off this weekend!” Scheduled Retail campaigns Transactional Critical updates “Your payment is confirmed” Instant Banking alerts Informational Non-commercial updates “School