--- title: "Masking vs Non-Masking SMS in Bangladesh: Which Should You Use?" description: Masking SMS shows your brand name; non-masking shows a number. Compare trust, replies, setup and cost in Bangladesh, and learn how to get a sender ID approved. url: https://salemag.net/blog/masking-vs-non-masking-sms-bangladesh language: en published: 2025-10-16 updated: 2025-10-16 author: SaleMag Team tags: - masking sms - non-masking sms - bulk sms - sender id - bangladesh --- # Masking vs Non-Masking SMS in Bangladesh: Which Should You Use? > Masking SMS in Bangladesh arrives under your registered brand name, such as MYSHOP, while non-masking SMS arrives from a phone number. Use masking for order updates, delivery notices and OTPs, where trust matters most. Use non-masking when you want customers to reply or call back, or to start quickly. Masks are registered through a licensed SMS gateway. - Masking builds trust because the sender is your brand, not an unknown number. - Customers usually cannot reply to a masked SMS, so add a phone number or WhatsApp link. - Non-masking is quicker to start and lets customers reply, but can look like spam. - Masks are applied for through a licensed gateway, which handles approval with the mobile operators. - Rules on content, language and sending times change; get the current version from your gateway in writing. A customer in Rajshahi gets a text from "01XXXXXXXXX": "Your parcel is on the way, keep ৳1,350 ready." She has seen too many fake bKash messages from random numbers, so she ignores it. The next morning the rider calls, she does not pick up, and the parcel goes back. The same message from "DESHIBAZAR" would probably have been read. That is the whole difference between masking and non-masking SMS, and it matters more in Bangladesh than in many countries. This guide explains both, when to use each, and how to get a mask approved. ## What is the difference between masking and non-masking SMS? Masking SMS shows your brand name as the sender; non-masking SMS shows a phone number. In Bangladesh the brand name is called the mask or sender ID, and it has to be registered before you can use it. | | Masking SMS | Non-masking SMS | |---|---|---| | Sender shown | Your brand, such as "DESHIBAZAR" | A phone number | | Setup | Mask registered and approved through a gateway | Usually quick to start | | Can customers reply? | Usually no | Often yes, depending on the number | | Trust | Looks official | Can look like spam or fraud | | Price | Usually higher | Usually lower | | Best for | Order updates, delivery notices, OTPs | Messages that need a reply or callback, tests | For the short definition, see the glossary entry on [masking SMS](https://salemag.net/glossary/masking-sms). ## When should you use masking SMS? Use masking SMS whenever the customer needs to trust that the message really comes from your shop. In a country where fake mobile-banking and prize messages are common, an unknown number is a reason to ignore a message. Masking is the right choice for: - **Order confirmations and delivery notices.** "Rider is coming today" is the message that saves a COD parcel. It has to be read. - **OTPs and login codes.** Customers see the code comes from your brand, which helps them spot phishing attempts. - **Payment and refund notices.** Money messages from a random number look like scams. - **Brand campaigns.** If you send offers by SMS, your name in the sender line is half the message. ## When is non-masking SMS the better choice? Non-masking SMS is better when you want customers to reply or call back, or when you need to start sending quickly and cheaply. - **You want replies.** Appointment confirmations ("reply 1 to confirm") or surveys need a sender that can receive messages. - **You are just starting.** Non-masking lets you test SMS before going through mask registration. - **Your budget is tight.** For low-stakes reminders to people who already know your number. The risk is trust. If you use non-masking SMS, put your shop name at the very start of the text, every time. ## How do you get a masking sender ID in Bangladesh? You get a masking sender ID by applying through a licensed SMS gateway, which registers it with the mobile operators. You do not apply to each operator yourself. The usual process: 1. **Choose a gateway.** Pick a licensed Bangladeshi gateway that offers masking. Ask for its prices, document list and current content rules in writing. 2. **Choose the mask.** Up to 11 letters or digits, without spaces; that is the technical limit for an alphanumeric sender ID. Make it your shop name or close to it, such as "DESHIBAZAR" or "RANGSHOP". Names that copy other brands or look official are refused. 3. **Submit documents.** Gateways commonly ask for a trade licence, the owner's NID, and some proof that the brand is yours, such as your Facebook page or website. Some ask for an application on your letterhead. 4. **Wait for approval.** The gateway handles approval with the operators. The time varies, so apply weeks before a big campaign, not days. 5. **Test on every operator.** Send test messages to Grameenphone, Robi, Banglalink and Teletalk numbers. A mask can work on one operator before another. ## How much does masking SMS cost? Masking SMS usually costs more per message than non-masking SMS, and some gateways charge a registration fee for the mask. We do not list prices because they differ by gateway and change often. What drives your real cost: | Factor | Effect | |---|---| | Masking vs non-masking | Masked is usually priced higher | | Monthly volume | Larger packages usually lower the rate | | Language | Bangla (Unicode) fits 70 characters per SMS; plain English fits 160 | | Message length | Long messages are split, and each part is charged | | Mask registration | One-time fee at some gateways | The language point catches many shops. A 140-character Bangla message is charged as three SMS, because multi-part Bangla messages carry 67 characters per part. Keep Bangla SMS under 70 characters where you can, or write short messages in Banglish or English if your customers read them comfortably. ## What rules apply to SMS in Bangladesh? SMS gateways in Bangladesh operate under licences and directives from BTRC, the telecom regulator, and they apply those rules to your messages. Some details, such as rules on promotional content, sending hours and language, have changed over the years, and gateways explain them differently. What to do in practice: - **Get the current rules from your gateway in writing.** Ask specifically about promotional SMS, permitted sending hours and language requirements. Some gateways tell clients that promotional SMS must be in Bangla, citing BTRC notices; confirm the current position with yours. - **Send only to customers who agreed.** Consent protects your brand and your gateway account. - **Never imitate a bank, a mobile-banking service or a government body.** Gateways refuse such masks and content. - **Offer a way out.** Tell customers how to stop offer messages, and respect it. ## What does a good masked or non-masked SMS look like? A good SMS gives the shop name, the one thing the customer needs to know, and how to respond. Examples: **Masked delivery notice (English, 1 SMS):** ``` DESHIBAZAR: Order #1045 is with the courier. Please keep Tk 1,350 ready. Questions? Call 01XXXXXXXXX ``` **Masked delivery notice (Bangla, under 70 characters, 1 SMS):** ``` আপনার অর্ডার #১০৪৫ আজ পৌঁছাবে। ৳১৩৫০ প্রস্তুত রাখুন। ০১XXXXXXXXX ``` **Non-masked reminder that invites a reply:** ``` RangShop: Your appointment is tomorrow 4pm. Reply 1 to confirm or 2 to reschedule. ``` **Masked OTP:** ``` 482913 is your RANGSHOP login code. Do not share it with anyone. ``` ## Masking SMS or WhatsApp: which should you use? Use masking SMS for messages that must reach every phone, and WhatsApp for messages that should start a conversation. Many shops send the offer on WhatsApp and the delivery-day notice by masked SMS. Our comparison of [WhatsApp broadcast vs bulk SMS](https://salemag.net/blog/whatsapp-broadcast-vs-bulk-sms) covers this choice in detail. ## How does SaleMag work with masking SMS? SaleMag's [bulk SMS](https://salemag.net/platforms/bulk-sms) connects to your own gateway account, so the mask stays with you and your gateway. Supported Bangladeshi gateways include SMSBD, REVE SMS, BulkSMS BD, SMS.BD and MimSMS, among 15 providers. You enter the gateway's credentials and the sender ID for each gateway (REVE SMS calls it *Sender Mask*). Your gateway decides which sender names your account may use, so get the mask approved with them first. SaleMag then sends campaigns to contacts with SMS opt-in, and an automation can send an SMS when an order is placed or fulfilled. SMS from SaleMag is outbound only, so put a phone number or WhatsApp link in messages that need a response. ## Next steps Decide which of your SMS messages must be trusted on sight, usually delivery notices and OTPs, and apply for a mask for those this week. Keep non-masked SMS for messages that need replies. To send both from the same contact list as your WhatsApp campaigns, [start free with SaleMag](https://salemag.net/register) or [see pricing](https://salemag.net/pricing). ## Steps 1. **Choose a licensed gateway**: Pick a Bangladeshi SMS gateway that offers masking and ask for its current rules and prices in writing. 2. **Pick the mask**: Choose a brand name of up to 11 letters or digits, without spaces, that matches your shop name. 3. **Submit documents**: Send the gateway its required documents, usually a trade licence, owner's NID and proof of the brand. 4. **Test on every operator**: Once approved, send test messages to Grameenphone, Robi, Banglalink and Teletalk numbers. 5. **Connect it to your sending tool**: Enter the gateway's API credentials and the approved mask as the sender ID. ## FAQ ### What is masking SMS in Bangladesh? Masking SMS is a text message that shows a registered brand name, called a sender ID or mask, as the sender instead of a phone number. It is registered through a licensed SMS gateway and approved with the mobile operators. ### Is masking SMS more expensive than non-masking SMS? Usually yes. Gateways in Bangladesh generally price masked SMS higher than non-masked SMS, and some charge for mask registration. Rates vary by gateway and volume, so ask for a written quote. ### Can customers reply to a masking SMS? Generally no. A masked sender is a name, not a number, so replies are not possible. Put a phone number or WhatsApp link in the message if you want customers to respond. ### How long can a masking sender ID be? An alphanumeric SMS sender ID is limited to 11 characters, usually letters and digits without spaces. Your gateway may add its own rules, such as no names that copy another brand. ### What documents do I need for a masking sender ID? Requirements vary by gateway. Gateways commonly ask for a trade licence, the owner's NID and proof that you own the brand name, such as a website or Facebook page. Ask your gateway for its current list. ### Should I send OTPs by masking or non-masking SMS? Masking is the better choice for OTPs, because customers can see the code comes from your brand, which helps against phishing. Keep the message short and never ask the customer to share the code. ### Does SaleMag provide masking SMS? No. SaleMag connects to your own SMS gateway account, including Bangladeshi gateways such as REVE SMS, BulkSMS BD and MimSMS. Your gateway approves the mask, and you enter it as the sender ID in SaleMag.