Which SMS providers does RedeemOS integrate with?

RedeemOS supports integration with Hubtel, Arkesel (both popular in Ghana), Africa's Talking (widely used across East and West Africa), Termii (Nigeria-focused), and other providers via standard HTTP API. Schools choose the provider that offers the best rates and reliability in their country.

How are SMS credits purchased and how many credits does each message use?

SMS credits are purchased directly from the SMS provider's platform (e.g., Hubtel, Africa's Talking) and loaded into the school's account. The credits available to RedeemOS are drawn down as messages are sent. Standard one-page SMS messages use one credit each. Messages longer than 160 characters split into two or more credits. RedeemOS shows the estimated credit cost before sending a bulk SMS campaign.

Can the school use a branded sender name (e.g., "RedeemOS" or "Asante School") for SMS messages?

Yes. RedeemOS supports custom sender IDs for SMS messages. The school registers its preferred sender name with its SMS provider (a process that varies by country and provider) and enters it in the Communication settings. Parents then receive messages with the school's name as the sender instead of an anonymous number.

Are automated SMS alerts always sent, or can the school configure which events trigger SMS?

The school can configure which events trigger automatic SMS alerts — enabling or disabling each automated template independently. For example, a school may enable absent student SMS alerts but disable the end-of-term result SMS if they prefer digital-only result delivery through the Parent Portal.

What happens if a parent's phone number is incorrect or out of service?

If an SMS cannot be delivered (undeliverable number, out-of-range device, or network issue), the SMS provider returns a failure delivery status to RedeemOS. The Communication history flags the message as undelivered. The school administrator can then update the parent's contact number and resend the message manually.

Communication

SMS Notification Integration for Schools

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Overview

SMS notifications provide the most reliable channel for school-to-parent communication in sub-Saharan Africa, reaching parents regardless of whether they have a smartphone, internet access, or data balance. While push notifications and email are increasingly common, SMS remains the only universal channel — a message sent via SMS will be delivered to any mobile phone, on any network, in any location with a signal. RedeemOS integrates with leading African bulk SMS providers — including Hubtel, Arkesel, Africa's Talking, and Termii — to send automated and manual SMS notifications for attendance alerts, fee reminders, examination results, general announcements, and any other school communication. Each SMS is triggered by a specific event in the RedeemOS platform and delivered within seconds.

How It Works

1
The school connects a bulk SMS provider account to RedeemOS by entering the provider's API credentials in the Communication settings. SMS credits are purchased directly from the provider.
2
RedeemOS's Communication module is configured with SMS templates for automated events — absent student alert, fee payment received, fee overdue reminder, report card published, examination results released.
3
When a triggering event occurs (e.g., a teacher marks a student absent), RedeemOS automatically composes the SMS using the relevant template, substitutes the student's and parent's details, and sends the message via the SMS provider API.
4
The SMS provider delivers the message to the parent's phone number registered in the student's profile within seconds.
5
For manual bulk messaging (e.g., end-of-term announcements), administrators compose the message in the Communication module, select the audience group, and send. Delivery status reports are returned from the SMS provider.
6
All SMS activity — automated and manual — is logged in the Communication history with delivery status for audit and dispute resolution.

Benefits

Reaches every parent with a mobile phone, including those without smartphones or internet access

Automated absence alerts reach parents the same hour their child is marked absent — not at the end of the day

Reduces office phone volume by proactively informing parents of fees due, payments received, and results published

Bulk SMS campaigns can reach hundreds of parents in seconds, replacing printed circular distribution

SMS delivery reports provide evidence of communications sent in case of disputes

Cost-effective communication at pennies per message for high-priority individual and broadcast alerts

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Features

School Communication Platform

School Attendance Tracking Software

School Fee Management Software

Set up SMS Notification Integration for your school

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