What is AirTouch SMSP?

AirTouch SMSP is a do-it-yourself text message solution that offers both interactive and broadcast SMS marketing. Users can be up and running within minutes.

Who uses AirTouch SMSP?

AirTouch SMSP has a wide variety of users. Some of the largest users of our mobile marketing services are advertising agencies and radio stations. There are also a lot of auto dealers, nightclubs, retailers, schools and universities, and newspapers. The most common applications are sweepstakes, coupons, and mobile alerts.

How can I learn more about the mobile marketing industry?

We recommend the Text Message Blog that reports on the mobile marketing industry. 

I don't see a package that exactly suits my needs.  Do you offer any other size packages?

Yes, of course.  The packages on the site are traditionally the ones that most customers decide to purchase.  Our sales department is happy to customize a package for your specific needs.  Just contact us by sending an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or calling us at 020 3744366, 0722 803500.  

I like your service, but I found something cheaper on another site.  Will you match the price?

Our bulk purchasing of SMS from the carriers gives us some of the cheapest prices for text message marketing in the industry.  If you see a cheaper price, however, we will match it to earn your business.  Just give us a call at 0722 803500 and we can discuss the details.

Do you offer QR Codes?

Yes, QR Codes can be incorporated into your text message plan at AirTouch SMSP.  For more information contact our sales team at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone 0722 803500.

What is the difference between interactive and broadcast text messaging?

Interactive programs involve sending a keyword to the short code 2905 and getting a response message back immediately. Broadcast programs involve your sending a simultaneous text message to a large database of users.

What is a short code?

A short code is a promotional, currently four-digit number, that acts as the cell phone number. A short code is established for promotional text messaging.  Sending promotional or advertising messages from anything but a short code can be seen as spam by the carriers.

Can I get my own short code and what is a shared short code?

Yes, you could get your own short code, but they are quite expensive. The cost for a standard short code is Kes 13,500/= per month and is Kes 250,000/= onetime for a golden short code.  These are not our costs, but are simply passed through costs from the carriers.

The technology behind AirTouch SMSP can support other short codes, but most people opt to use the shared short code technology.

What is a golden short code?

A golden short code is a more memorable number; 6969 was a golden short code, because it was so easy to remember.  If you are using broadcasting for your mobile marketing, a golden short code is critical, because your message must be retained by the listener in a short commercial message.

What are the advantages and disadvantages to a shared short code?

The major advantage of a shared short code is clearly cost. AirTouch SMSP has already paid for all the start-up and monthly costs for the shared short code and many organizations use the same short code.

The only disadvantage is that no two users can use the same keyword. It is possible, although unlikely, that the keyword you request is already being used by another organization.

What is a keyword?

A keyword is the word that is sent via text message to 2905 that identifies your service. For example, text WIN to 2905.  Keywords are not case-sensitive; therefore it doesn't matter if you capitalize some, all or none of the letters of the keyword.  When advertising a keyword, we recommend capitalizing the keyword in your advertisement so that it stands out from the rest of the message.

Who owns the keyword?

You can use the keyword for as long as you continue to pay for the keyword on a monthly basis. If you cancel your account or fail to make your payment, the keyword becomes available for others to register after 30 days.

I want to purchase a package that contains one keyword. What if I need more than one keyword?

AirTouch SMSP allows for you to purchase additional keywords for Kes 1,500/= each per month.

Who has ownership rights to the database?

The great advantage to mobile marketing is the database that you create. You own the database and AirTouch SMSP has no rights to the database. The database will never be re-sold or used for any purposes other than your own.

I need to keep more than one database of my users. Can AirTouch SMSP do this?

Yes, you can maintain multiple databases for different promotions, regions, clients or any other purpose.

Do I need to put software on my computer?

No software and no download of our mobile marketing program is required. You configure your keywords through a simple website that you can access from any computer that is connected to the Internet.  You can even access your account from a Smartphone or cell phone if you are on the move and need to send a text message to your database.

How many messages are sent per minute?

That’s mostly up to the carriers. AirTouch SMSP will pass off the messages to the carrier. The carriers are companies such as Safaricom and Airtel. Once the messages are delivered to the carrier, it is up to the carrier to deliver them. It is our experience that most messages are received by the recipient in a matter of seconds.  Usually, when a delay occurs, it is not AirTouch SMSP that is the source of the delay, but heavy traffic in a particular region at the carrier level.

Is there a start-up cost or monthly cost for AirTouch SMSP?

There are absolutely no start-up costs for AirTouch SMSP. Check out the AirTouch SMSP pricing page for the packages available.

 What if I don’t use all of the text messages?

Your text messages do not expire until you use them.

What if I just want to run a one-time 2 month long campaign?

With AirTouch SMSP, you sign up on a month to month basis. There are no contracts. 

How do I cancel the service when the promotion is over?

Simply email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we’ll cancel the program.

What is an “opt-in?”

It is required that you have some form of discernable opt-in from the members of your database. The opt-in process confirms that you are not sending SPAM to cell phones.

How do I create the opt-in database?

Most marketers use an interactive SMS program to create an opt-in database. Other times, there may be a registration process via your web site or at your location.

It is important that if you use a registration process other than an interactive text message that you maintain the necessary documentation to validate the opt-in. 

The opt-in process is actually what makes mobile marketing so effective. It means that a consumer has elected to receive your messages.

How can I upload, or enter mobile phone numbers to one of my marketing lists?

Subscribers can be added to your list by sending a text message to your keyword, or they can manually enter their information right on your website by typing in their phone number or by uploading an excel spreadsheet or CSV document.

Can I just buy a list of phone numbers that permit text message advertisements?

No, just because somebody has chosen to opt-in to receive text messages from one organization does not mean that another organization can send messages to them. If you are buying a list from a third party source, you are taking a big risk. If AirTouch SMSP finds out that you are using a list of cell phone numbers that have not opted-in to your specific promotion, your account and program will immediately be terminated without refund.

Will it cost the recipient to receive my text message?

It will not cost them anything.

How long can a text message be?

60 characters is the limit per text message for all carriers in the Kenya. You can choose to send a text message that is greater than 160 characters in length, but such a message will need to be continued on a second text message.  AirTouch SMSP believes strongly that all messages should be one text message in length.

How can I confirm that a text message was received?

Unfortunately, the carriers do not provide reporting on the receipt of text messages. While we can confirm that a text message was handed off to the carrier, we cannot confirm that each text message was actually received on the consumer's mobile device.

A member of my database did not receive the text message. Why not?

The most common reason that a text message was not received is that the recipient’s cell phone was turned off at the time that the carrier sent the message. It is also possible that the recipient was outside of an area where the carrier service was available. Finally, it is possible that the member has service with a carrier that does not participate in the short code business.

What carriers does AirTouch SMSP work with?

Currently AirTouch SMSP works with Safaricom only. Once we add more carriers it will be updated here.

If a carrier is not listed here, does that mean that we can’t include them on our database?

If a carrier is not included here, let us know and will advise you to broadcast SMS to them. 

How can a consumer opt-out of the service?

It is required by law that we remove users from the database when they choose to opt-out. A recipient can opt-out by sending a return text message with the word STOP in the text.

How can a consumer opt-in again once they've opted out?

A consumer can simple send your keyword to 2905 once again and their opt-out will be removed.  They can then take full advantage of the service again.

Can AirTouch SMSP send messages internationally?

Currently, AirTouch SMSP can send text message delivery only in the Kenya

What if I send a broadcast text message and somebody hits “reply” and sends a message back to us?

On rare occasions, this can occur. Keep in mind that 2905 is a shared short code so if somebody replies to a broadcast text message, we may not know which customer the reply is intended for. The way to solve this is to say “do not reply to this message” in your broadcast message. 

If you do want to receive replies back from those you send broadcast messages to, this can be accommodated. The consumer’s reply message, however, must begin with your specific keyword and then the message sent. This will enable AirTouch SMSP to know that this reply message was intended for you. You will then be able to read these messages on the web site.

We do review all incoming messages that do not have a keyword preceding them.  If we can ascertain from the message content that the message is intended for you, we will send you an email with the message included.

What reporting data will I receive from AirTouch SMSP?

AirTouch SMSP’s online reporting system includes the following data: date; time; cell phone number; carrier; message received; correct or incorrect answer.

How quickly can I get started with AirTouch SMSP?

Upon receipt of payment, you can get started. If you use a MPESA, the approval online is immediate.

Can I try before I buy?

Yes, we offer a free trial account that lets you use all of the features of AirTouch SMSP. This free account includes 5 messages and 1 keyword for 30 days. Additional credits can be purchased if needed.

What if I want to pay other than MPESA?

AirTouch SMSP can provide traditional email invoice methods on special request.  You can then make payment by check.

I am an advertising agency and wish to be a reseller of AirTouch SMSP. Can you accommodate this?

Send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more details.

Does AirTouch SMSP have an affiliate program?

Yes, you can become an affiliate of AirTouch SMSP and receive a commission for any sales that you make. Our mobile marketing affiliate program is one of the best ways to add additional revenue to your bottom line.

Who is the owner of AirTouch SMSP?

AirTouch SMSP is owned by AirTouch Connections Limited.

What is your Privacy Policy?

The privacy of our visitors is important to us.

At AirTouch SMSP, we recognize that privacy of your personal information is important.  We never sell your personal information to third parties.

What is a Premium SMS?

Premium SMS means the user of the service will be charged an incremental fee to participate in a program. The charge will appear on your phone phone bill or be deducted from your prepaid airtime.

What is Mobile Origination (MO)?

Mobile Origination means that the consumer has originated the text message sent to the short code. In other words, if a radio station announces on air that it is giving away tickets to a concert, and the listener responds by sending a text message to the short code to enter the contest, then the listener has sent an MO text message.

What is Mobile Termination (MT)?

Mobile Termination means that the opt-in consumer has received a text message from a short code. For example, a radio station might send a text message to its opt-in VIP Club announcing a pre-sale of front row tickets to an upcoming concert; this would be an example of an MT text message.

What is Opt-Out?

Subscribers must have the opportunity to opt-out of promotions at any time. This is normally done by sending a text message with the word “stop” in it.

What is WAP (Wireless Application Protocol)?

WAP is simply the wireless web. When you access the internet through your cell phone, you are accessing a WAP site and you are involved in a WAP session.

What is MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service)?

MMS is SMS on steroids. If you send a graphic or photo through your cell phone, you are using MMS technology.