Question
Can Everbridge block SMS delivery based on a device’s current physical location or specific countries?
Answer
Everbridge sends SMS notifications using phone numbers and carrier networks. Because SMS does not transmit device location information to Everbridge or the aggregators, the platform cannot determine where a recipient's device is physically located at message delivery time. Everbridge and the aggregators do not have access to real-time device location information through the SMS channel, so automatic geographical restrictions cannot be implemented.
Any blocking or delivery failure related to certain countries can occur, but it is not based on the physical location of the device. SMS delivery can be affected by carrier or regulatory behavior and by various technical or data conditions. Potential reasons include:
Carrier or regulatory blocks, including country-specific regulations that can block messages or block certain sender IDs.
Blocked short codes, where recipient carriers may block specific short codes used for SMS.
Incorrect number formatting, including older contact data without correct country codes or formats.
Regional carrier limitations where SMS delivery can be affected by issues with specific operators and where some SMS sender IDs may be one-way.
To troubleshoot SMS delivery behavior and understand carrier or country-specific constraints, see the following resources: