FAQ'S
FAQ'S
SMS & Messaging Core Features: FAQs
How does IDH ensure high SMS delivery rates, particularly within Botswana?
We maintain direct, high-quality connections with all major Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) in Botswana (Mascom, Orange, BTC) and utilize optimized regional and international routing. Our commitment to “Enterprise-Grade Reliability” ensures your messages reach your customers reliably, with a platform statistic indicating a 99.9% delivery rate.
Can I use a custom Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "MyBrand")? How does that work?
Yes, IDH offers a free SMS Sender ID service.
- Process: Request your preferred 11-character alphanumeric Sender ID through our customer service or appropriate communication channels. IDH will review and approve the request, ensuring it complies with regulations. Once approved, it's activated, and your custom Sender ID will appear in the "From" field of messages sent via the IDH platform.
How does your SMS API work? What are its capabilities?
Our programmable SMS API allows seamless integration of SMS functionality into your applications.
- Mechanism: We provide a "Sending HTTPS API" for sending messages. The API call structure includes parameters like APIKEY for authentication, mobiles, sms (message content), senderid, and schedule for message scheduling. A "Delivery Status API" is also available for tracking.
- Functionality: The API enables automated SMS sending, scalable usage, and real-time communication. Detailed API documentation is available for your development team.
What are the capabilities of your 2-Way SMS service? How are inbound replies handled?
Our 2-Way SMS Communication service, typically utilizing a Short Code, allows recipients to reply to your messages.
- Reply Handling: The system automatically captures incoming messages. Businesses can use keywords (e.g., "HELP," "STOP") for automated actions. The platform can process responses, such as triggering a discount code if a customer replies "YES" to an offer, or integrate with third-party APIs to handle responses.
How do USSD Short Codes work on your platform? Can we customize the menu flow?
USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) offers interactive, real-time communication without needing an internet connection.
- Functionality: Users dial a short code (e.g., *120#), and our platform presents them with a menu.
- Customization: The menu flow, text, and logic are fully customizable to suit your service needs (e.g., for mobile banking, customer support, surveys).
What information is available about your WhatsApp Business API integration service?
IDH helps businesses integrate WhatsApp into their communication strategy for customer support, notifications, and marketing campaigns through the WhatsApp Business API. This is also used as a customer engagement tool.
What is Voice Broadcasting and how does it enhance communication?
Voice Broadcasting is a powerful tool that lets you send pre-recorded voice messages to thousands of recipients simultaneously.
- Reach and Impact: Ideal for announcements, emergency alerts, payment reminders, or marketing campaigns where voice has more impact than text.
- How it Works: You upload a voice message, select your recipient list, and our system handles the rest. Delivering calls in bulk, instantly.
- Interactive Capabilities: Use voice menus or keypad prompts (e.g., "Press 1 to confirm") to collect responses or route callers to your support team.
- Multi-Channel Strategy: Combine with Bulk SMS to ensure your message gets through, whether heard or read.
- Reporting: Get delivery reports, call durations, and engagement stats for each campaign.
What does IDH say about the security of its messaging services?
Our mission includes delivering “secure communication solutions.” We offer services like SMS Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for “Enhanced Security” and provide OTP (One-Time Password) generation. “Mobile Identity & Security” is a core service area.
Does your platform support message scheduling?
Yes. The “Sending HTTPS API” structure includes a schedule={schedule} parameter, indicating that messages can be scheduled for future delivery.
What kind of analytics and reporting are available for message campaigns?
IDH provides robust “Analytics” for tracking and measuring the performance of messages sent through various channels. This helps businesses understand customer engagement and campaign success. We also offer a “People CDP (Customer Data Platform)” to help centralize customer data.
How does the SMS Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) service work?
Our SMS 2FA solution adds an extra layer of protection.
- Workflow: The system generates a unique, time-sensitive One-Time Password (OTP). This OTP is sent via SMS to the user's registered mobile phone. The user then enters this OTP to verify their identity. IDH's platform provides OTP generation service as an additional feature with a custom API.
FAQ'S
Getting Started & Support
What's the first step to start using IDH's services?
The best way to begin is to contact IDH directly, via email, call, WhatsApp our website or social media channels. Our team will discuss your specific business communication needs.
What information might be needed to procure services with IDH?
General business information and an understanding of your intended use case (e.g., types of messages, expected volumes) will be helpful for us to propose the best solution. For services like the free custom Alphanumeric Sender ID, you’ll need to request your preferred 11-character ID.
How is pricing, payment, and any commitment for services determined?
All pricing, payment terms, and potential commitments are worked out by speaking directly with our sales team. While SMS APIs can be cost-efficient and may offer tiered pricing based on volume, specific packages and payment methods are established through consultation with sales.
How quickly can I be set up and start sending messages?
The setup time can vary been but you could start using the some of the services within 1 hour of engagement with or team, for services which are not dependent on 3rd Parties. Our team will provide an estimated timeline once your specific requirements are understood.
What kind of support does IDH offer, and what are the operating hours?
We offer “Always-On Support.” This means we are available 24/7, 365 days a year. “When you call, we pick up. When you email, we reply. Whenever you are working, we are working”
How can I reach IDH support?
You can reach us through the primary contact channels provided by IDH, such as phone or email, which are listed on our website or provided to you as a client.
Do you provide API documentation?
Yes, detailed API documentation is available for developers to integrate our services.
What are the typical onboarding steps after I decide to use your services?
- Consultation with Sales: Discuss your needs, service options, and establish payment/pricing terms.
- Account Setup: IDH Support will set up the account(s) and train you and your team.
- Service Configuration: This includes steps like requesting and activating your free Alphanumeric Sender ID, setting up API access if needed, or configuring USSD menus.
- Integration & Testing: If using our API, your team would integrate and test. We provide API documentation to support this.
- Go-Live: Begin using our communication solutions.
Who should I contact if I have questions about my service agreement or billing once I am a client?
For any questions regarding your service agreement or billing, you should contact your designated IDH sales representative or our primary support/accounts channel, as all payment and contractual details are established through direct discussion with our sales team.
FAQ'S
BASIC FAQs
Who is Internal Drift Holdings (IDH)?
IDH is Botswana’s Premier Online and mobile solutions provider which has positioned itself locally as an innovative solutions partner. Our strength lies in our ever-evolving mindset to develop cutting-edge innovative solutions through research and development in the online and mobile space. We pride ourselves with a background of technocrats and business citizens giving us a strong backbone.
What industries does IDH serve?
IDH operates across sectors such as digital communication, fintech, media, sustainability, and lifestyle. Our tools and strategies are adaptable to businesses of all sizes and types, from startups to enterprise-level organizations.
What services does IDH provide? A: IDH offers a suite of communication and engagement tools, including:
- Messaging solutions: High volume SMSs for marketing, transactional messaging, and customer engagement.
- USSD: Menu-based mobile interaction without internet.
- Short Codes: Memorable SMS numbers for feedback, opt-ins, and competitions.
- Chatbot Platform: Build bots for web, apps, or messaging.
- In-App Messaging: Personalized in-app notifications.
- Live Chat: Real-time support for websites and apps.
- Voice & IVR: Automated calls and voice systems.
- MMS: Multimedia messaging with video, images, and audio.
- WhatsApp API: Compliant, automated WhatsApp communication.
- Number Lookup & SMS Routing: Efficient, accurate message delivery.
Refer to the Services page for more detail.
Do I need technical expertise to use IDH’s chatbot or messaging platforms?
No. Our platforms are user-friendly and intuitive, enabling non-technical teams to manage communications easily.
Can I integrate IDH’s services into my existing tech stack?
Yes. Our tools integrate smoothly with existing platforms and CRMs.
Where is IDH located?
IDH is globally oriented, based in Botswana with partnerships that span international markets.
Is IDH open to collaborations or custom solutions?
Yes. We offer tailored service packages and welcome strategic partnerships aligned with our mission.
Who are your typical clients?
We work with founders, startups, NGOs, and large enterprises focused on digital transformation and customer engagement.
Our Clients
