i made bunch of bots and hobby projects with twilio numbers over the years.. i had a new idea, it's my understanding to get a number you have to register a business
Ask HN: Do 10DLC Requirements make it impossible for hobby projects to send SMS?
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Re: Ask HN: Do 10DLC Requirements make it impossible for hobby projects to send SMS?
#2Why not just pull an old Android phone out of the junk drawer, pop in a PAYG SIM card, connect via USB cable and you're good to go. There are several apps that will implement the connection if you don't want to hack it yourself.
Re: Ask HN: Do 10DLC Requirements make it impossible for hobby projects to send SMS?
#3Would registering a business be the simplest thing that might work?
Re: Ask HN: Do 10DLC Requirements make it impossible for hobby projects to send SMS?
#4I was able to. You just have to fill out the same paperwork. Give people an option to opt out, etc.
Re: Ask HN: Do 10DLC Requirements make it impossible for hobby projects to send SMS?
#5is there any reason not to use SMS/MMS gateways (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SMS_gateway) for your hobby projects?
Re: Ask HN: Do 10DLC Requirements make it impossible for hobby projects to send SMS?
#6I have many Twilio SMS based personal apps and the application process was annoying but nothing too complicated. The worst was the long approval wait time while my stuff was broken but that’s partly my fault for not reading the warning emails carefully enough.
You do need to have a “reason” that fits into a tree of business-like-things but you don’t need an EIN or anything. Mine was “technology industry” I think.
Re: Ask HN: Do 10DLC Requirements make it impossible for hobby projects to send SMS?
#7Yes, after the third time around where they wanted to review my business filing and my corporate web site... I punted.
Re: Ask HN: Do 10DLC Requirements make it impossible for hobby projects to send SMS?
#8Yes, after the third time around where they wanted to review my business filing and my corporate web site... I punted.
I put my empty github as my website. Was approved on a first try.
P.S. on Azure, not Twilio
Re: Ask HN: Do 10DLC Requirements make it impossible for hobby projects to send SMS?
#9Last time I used SMS gateways, I was able to have an easier time of registering my business with AWS and obtaining an 800 number. It was easier than the hell Twilio was putting me through for a PoC.
For very small audience or personal projects, PushOver or similar push notifications API app/services are decent very low friction options.
Re: Ask HN: Do 10DLC Requirements make it impossible for hobby projects to send SMS?
#10I use ntfy.sh for the hobby projects now. The Twilio (and others) process was just too heavy. And for business the delays are frustrating; every small business I work with complains - but has no way to change the system.
There may be a wrapper opportunity here.