Text message is still the most reliable way to reach a customer. But in May 2026, one thing will change significantly: not just anyone will be able to send messages with any sender ID anymore.
SMS Sender ID is now strictly regulated for good reason.
In this article, we will cover:
- What does SMS Sender ID mean
- What does the new regulation in Finland require
- What is the difference between licensing and protection?
- What should companies do
What is SMS Sender ID?
SMS Sender ID is the name or number that appears as the sender of a message to the recipient. It can be, for example:
- Company name (e.g., Quriiri)
- Phone number
- Short tag (e.g., INFO)
The sender ID is an important part of the customer experience:
- The message is immediately recognized as correct
- Trust grows
- The probability of a message being opened improves.
What kind of sender ID can there be?
The sender ID can be either text-based or numeric. The choice affects how the messaging works in practice.
Alphanumeric sender information (text format):
- For one-way communication (message cannot be replied to)
- Max. 11 chars
- Allowed characters: A-Z, 0-9, space, and hyphen
- Å, ä, and ö can also be used, but functionality is not guaranteed on all terminals.
Numeric sender information
- Max. 15 numbers
- E.g. longcode (virtual GSM number) or shortcode
- The recipient can reply to the message
Note: There may be restrictions on sender information when sending abroad.
Contact us from our customer service.
Why were there changes to the SMS Sender ID?
The background is an increase in scam messages. Criminals have been able to send messages that appear to be from a bank or an authority, for example. This is called spoofing. The aim of the new regulation is:
- Verify sender authenticity
- Improve message reliability
- Reduce scams
The regulation takes effect on May 4, 2026.
What does the new regulation mean in practice?
All SMS Sender IDs must be pre-approved. This applies to:
- All companies and organizations
- All messages sent to Finland
- Both numeric and text-based identifiers
If the SMS Sender ID is not authorized, starting May 4, 2026, messages may appear as “Unknown.”.
Later, messages can be blocked or marked as spam.
Lubrication vs. shielding
Valuation (mandatory)
- Make a permit request via the Quriiriinterface or ask our customer service.
- Quriiri ensures that your company has the right to use the sender ID
- Quriiri provides sender IDs to carriers
- messages are delivered with correct sender IDs
Protection (optional)
- You have exclusive rights to the badge.
- Register sender ID with Traficom
- Authorize Quriiri to use the sender ID
- No one else can use the same name to send messages in Finland
If you want to send text messages in Finland, consider these things
1. Consider which sender IDs you want to use
- Do you use the company name?
- Do you need different credentials for different purposes?
- Do you want to enable responding?
A good sender ID makes messages immediately recognizable.
2. Ensure that the credentials can be authorized
Check with the SMS service provider for approval. This will significantly speed up deployment.
3. Decide if you need token security.
- Is brand a central part of communication?
- Is there a risk of misuse?
- Are the messages mission critical?
The protection prevents others from using the same identifier.
4. If your company is already sending messages, review the current situation
- List all active identifiers
- Ensure numbering
- Assess the need for protection
What are the benefits of the change for companies?
- Fewer scam messages
- Better customer trust
- Stronger brand visibility
Summary
The SMS Sender ID is no longer just a technical detail but part of reliable customer communication.
Encryption is mandatory. Protection provides additional security. Without these measures, messages may not reach their destination.
If you are unsure which sender IDs you should use, what needs to be authorized and how, or whether the ID should be protected. Contact us, we are happy to help.
