United Kingdom: International Long Codes Blocked + 2024 Compliance Requirements
Overview
If you send SMS messages to UK mobile numbers, your deliverability and compliance are at risk unless you update your sender types. Starting June 1, 2023, UK carriers began blocking international long codes for Application-to-Person (A2P) traffic. In 2024, further regulatory requirements were introduced for UK long codes themselves.
What Changed in 2023
Carrier Blocking of International Long Codes
From June 1, 2023, UK network operators started blocking SMS from non-UK long codes. These numbers were originally designed for Person-to-Person (P2P) use, but many businesses were using them for A2P traffic, which carriers now classify as abuse of P2P routes.
Impact: Any SMS sent to UK recipients from an international long code is likely to fail.
What Changed in 2024
Twilio and UK regulators layered on stricter compliance requirements:
1. Regulatory Compliance Bundles (RC Bundles)
From May 27, 2024, all new UK long codes require an approved RC bundle before they can send SMS or make calls.
From September 30, 2024, all UK long codes (new or existing) must have an approved RC bundle.
2. Know Your Customer (KYC)
Businesses must provide documentation to verify their identity and intended use case before using UK long codes.
3. Full Enforcement of Blocking
By mid-2024, all UK carriers had aligned to enforce these rules.
Traffic from international long codes is universally blocked.
Unregistered UK long codes will also fail.
What You Need to Do
Step 1 — Stop Using International Long Codes
If you are still sending SMS from non-UK numbers to UK recipients, switch immediately.
Step 2 — Use an Approved Sender Type
UK Long Code (Local Number) — Requires KYC and regulatory approval.
Alphanumeric Sender ID — For one-way traffic; brand your sender name (e.g., YourCompany).
Short Code — For higher-volume or two-way messaging; apply for a UK short code (12–16 weeks provisioning).
Step 3 — Register Your Numbers
Submit your Regulatory Compliance (RC) bundle in the Twilio Console.
Provide the necessary KYC documents (business name, address, use case, etc.).
Step 4 — Monitor Message Logs
In Twilio Console, use Messaging Insights to filter "From Country ≠ UK" and "To Country = UK" to find non-compliant traffic.
Look for blocked or undelivered messages and update routing accordingly.
How to Buy a UK Number in Twilio
Go to: Console → Develop → Phone Numbers → Buy a number
Set Country = UK
Un-check Voice (if you want SMS-only)
Select an SMS-capable number and complete the RC bundle submission
UK Timeline Recap
UK Key Takeaways
International long codes cannot be used for UK SMS.
All UK long codes now require KYC and regulatory compliance.
Alphanumeric Sender IDs and short codes remain valid alternatives.
Act now to avoid message failures and regulatory issues.
Turkey: International SMS Containing URLs Now Blocked
What's Happening?
Turkish mobile operators are now blocking any international A2P SMS that contains internet addresses, URLs, hyperlinks, or shortened links. This is enforced by the Bilgi Teknolojileri ve İletişim Kurumu (BTK) — Turkey's national communications regulator.
Messages blocked under this regulation will:
Return error code 30007 (carrier-level filtering)
Fail to deliver to the recipient
Potentially result in fines from Turkish operators
What You Need to Do
Step 1 — Immediately Remove All URLs from Messages Sent to Turkey
Remove the following from any SMS template or workflow targeting Turkish recipients:
Full URLs (e.g., https://example.com/order/123)
Shortened URLs (e.g., bit.ly/abc, hl.link/xyz)
Hyperlinked or anchor text pointing to any URL
Tracking links embedded in messages
Step 2 — Update Your Templates and Workflows
Go to your HighLevel sub-account.
Open any SMS templates, workflows, or campaigns targeting Turkish recipients.
Remove or replace all URLs. Use a phone number, email, or plain-text instructions instead.
Save and republish affected templates or workflows.
Test delivery by sending a URL-free message to a Turkish number.
If You Have a Local Turkey Business Entity
If your business is registered in Turkey and must continue sending URLs via SMS, you need a compliant local messaging pathway:
Secure a direct contract with Posta Güvercini, a BTK-licensed local messaging platform.
Authorize Posta Güvercini as your service provider via the Turkish Message Management System (IYS).
Contact HighLevel Support to finalize the technical setup and routing.
No Action Needed If…
You are not sending SMS to Turkey, OR
Your messages to Turkish recipients contain no URLs or hyperlinks.
Turkey Timeline Recap
Turkey Key Takeaways
All international A2P SMS containing URLs are blocked in Turkey as of April 1, 2026.
Affected messages return error code 30007.
Remove all URLs, shortened links, and hyperlinks from templates targeting Turkish recipients.
A local Turkey entity + Posta Güvercini contract is the only approved pathway for URL-containing SMS.
FAQs
Does the Turkey URL block affect OTPs and transactional messages?
Yes. The BTK regulation applies to all international A2P SMS regardless of message type, including one-time passcodes, order confirmations, and shipping notifications.
Can I use a URL shortener to avoid the Turkey block?
No. Shortened URLs are explicitly included in the block. All forms of internet addresses — full URLs, short links, and hyperlinks — are blocked.
What is error code 30007?
Error 30007 is a carrier-level filtering error indicating the message was blocked before delivery. For Turkey, it means the operator detected a URL in an international SMS. For UK, it can also indicate the sender type is not approved for A2P traffic.
Does the Turkey regulation affect WhatsApp or email?
No. This regulation applies specifically to international A2P SMS. WhatsApp, email, and other channels are not affected.
Do I need an RC bundle for UK numbers on LC Phone?
Yes. If you are using LC Phone (not your own Twilio account), HighLevel handles the underlying carrier relationship, but you still need to ensure your phone number type is compliant. Contact HighLevel Support if you are unsure about your UK number setup.
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