Step 5: International SMS implementation
If the technology developer is based outside of the country in which the program is being delivered, it is likely the servers and technology that host the web-based SMS system are also located in the country in which the platform is developed. Establishing a “gateway” avoids considerable costs to the program and possibly to the recipient of sending international text messages. A gateway company with international access to the LMIC’s cellular networks is therefore most times necessary to facilitate sending messages from the originating country to mobile phones overseas to help control costs and ensure direct contact with international participants. The SMS system’s domestic platform and the gateway company must have compatible “application programming interfaces” (i.e., APIs) to establish a successful connection. It is worth noting that some particular countries require the SMS platform to be housed within the country (or region) to which the messages are being delivered to protect participants’ data and ensure privacy (e.g. E.U. requirements as part of general data protection legislation). To work around such requirements, system integrations can still be accomplished by deploying the solution in cloud computing systems that can be housed and maintained in authorized regions based on local privacy legislation.The SMS technology developer spearheads identification, vetting, and recommendations to the research team on cost-effective and reliable international gateway providers in the LMIC of interest (note that we discuss more details about the costs in the “Costs” section below). Once a gateway collaboration is established and company hired, the technology developer then works with the gateway to establish the SMS system’s code for participant communications [