France updates SMS Sender ID requirements from March 2026
French mobile network operators, under regulatory supervision and in collaboration with messaging partners such as LINK Mobility, are strengthening the rules governing SMS Sender IDs (OAdC) for traffic delivered to France.
The updated requirements will enter into force on March 1, 2026 and apply to all SMS traffic terminated in French mobile networks, regardless of where the sender is located.
This regulatory update introduces stricter validation of Sender IDs to improve transparency, strengthen sender identification, and reduce misuse.
What this update covers
Alphanumeric Sender IDs
Sender name validation and identification requirements
Character restrictions and limitations on generic names
Key requirements
Generic Sender IDs prohibited
Sender IDs may not consist of generic terms (e.g., “alert”, “appointment”, “shop”), unless they correspond to a registered company, brand, or product name and valid documentation can be provided.
Character restrictions
Sender IDs must contain only Latin alphanumeric characters (A–Z, a–z, 0–9).
The following are not permitted:
Special characters
Accented characters
Spaces
Punctuation
Non-Latin alphabets
Existing requirements remain in force
Sender IDs must not resemble a phone number (cannot be numeric only).
Sender IDs must clearly identify the advertiser, brand, or product.
“Strictly Prohibited” (SI) Sender IDs remain blocked.
“Prohibited Unless Authorized” (ISA) Sender IDs require written authorization and operator validation.
Non-compliant Sender IDs may be rejected or automatically replaced by operator systems. Failure to comply may result in financial penalties or traffic disruption.
What this means for businesses sending SMS to France
For companies delivering SMS traffic to French mobile networks, it is important to ensure that Sender IDs are compliant before March 1, 2026, to avoid interruption of service.
Clear and transparent Sender ID requirements strengthen trust in the SMS channel. We welcome the alignment from French operators and regulatory authorities, as it supports a more secure and reliable messaging ecosystem for businesses and end users alike. LINK Mobility is closely following the implementation to ensure a smooth transition for our customers sending traffic to France.
LINK Mobility is closely aligned with French operator requirements and is monitoring the implementation of the updated Sender ID rules.
Customers sending SMS traffic to France are encouraged to review their Sender IDs to ensure alignment with the new requirements ahead of March 1, 2026. Further operational details will be communicated as they become available.
For any questions, please contact LINK Mobility Support.