What is Throughput?

Throughput in SMS refers to the number of messages that can be sent per second (MPS) or per minute. Your throughput limit determines how quickly you can deliver messages to your audience.

Throughput by Number Type

Short Codes

100+ messages/second

Highest throughput available

Best for high-volume, time-sensitive campaigns

Toll-Free

Up to 10 messages/second

Good for moderate volume

Requires toll-free verification

10DLC

Varies by trust score:

- Low trust: ~2,000 msg/day

- Standard trust: ~10,000 msg/day

- High trust: ~200,000+ msg/day

Factors Affecting 10DLC Throughput

1. Brand trust score: Higher vetting = higher throughput

2. Campaign type: Marketing vs transactional

3. Carrier: Each has different limits

4. Content quality: Clean content = better throughput

5. Engagement: High opt-outs reduce throughput

Calculating Delivery Time

Example: 10,000 subscribers, 1 msg/second throughput

Delivery time: 10,000 seconds = ~2.8 hours

Example: 10,000 subscribers, 100 msg/second (short code)

Delivery time: 100 seconds = ~1.7 minutes

Improving Throughput

Complete enhanced vetting ($40)

Maintain clean content (no spam triggers)

Keep opt-out rates low

Use proper opt-in processes

Avoid carrier filtering