In 2024, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) announced the introduction of the SMS Sender ID Register as part of a broader effort to reduce SMS scams and protect both consumers and businesses in Australia.
The new framework will change how organisations use SMS Sender IDs for messages to Australian mobile numbers, with key requirements coming into effect over the next few months.
In this blog, we break down what the changes mean, who is affected, and what your organisation needs to know to ensure your messages continue to reach recipients without disruption.
What is the ACMA SMS Sender ID Register?
The SMS Sender ID Register is a new verification framework introduced by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) to help prevent sender ID spoofing, a common tactic used in SMS scams.
Under the Register, organisations must verify the Sender IDs they use when sending SMS to Australian mobile numbers.
This ensures that only authorised businesses can use specific Sender IDs, reducing the risk of fraudulent messages appearing to come from trusted brands.
Why is This Important Now?
Although the SMS Sender ID Register was announced in 2024, the next phase of the framework is approaching, and it will have a direct impact on how organisations send SMS to Australian mobile numbers.
From 1 July 2026, SMS sent using an unregistered Sender ID will be shown to recipients as “Unverified” or be blocked entirely.
For organisations that rely on SMS for critical notifications, customer authentication, marketing or service updates, this has clear implications for trust, deliverability and customer experience.
Applications for Sender ID registration are scheduled to open on 30 November 2025, which means from then onwards, organisations can begin registering the Sender IDs they use ahead of the 1 July 2026 enforcement date.
Read the full ACMA Sender ID Register update here.
Who Is Affected by These Changes?
These changes apply to any organisation that uses SMS Sender IDs (alphanumeric names rather than standard mobile numbers) to send messages to Australian mobile numbers.
This includes:
- Australian organisations sending SMS to Australian customers
- Overseas organisations sending SMS into Australia
In practice, if your organisation sends SMS that appear to come from a brand name rather than a mobile number, the new rules likely to apply to you.
What This Means for Your Organisation
The introduction of the SMS Sender ID Register means that organisations will need to ensure any Sender IDs they use to message Australian mobile numbers are formally registered before 1 July 2026.
Entities with an Australian Business Number (ABN) will be able to register their Sender IDs directly with ACMA or through an approved participating telecommunications provider (either a participating or certified one).
Organisations without an ABN will need to work with an approved certified provider to have their Sender IDs registered on their behalf.
In practical terms, this means your organisation will need to:
- Be clear on which Sender IDs you currently use to message Australian mobile numbers
- Understand which of those Sender IDs need to be registered
- Plan when and how you will register them once applications open on 30 November 2025
The specific process for registration will depend on your organisation’s structure and how you currently manage SMS, but the key outcome is the same: unregistered Sender IDs risk being shown as “Unverified” or blocked from July 2026 onwards.
Soprano’s Role and How We Can Help
Soprano (and Whispir) have been approved by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) as participating telecommunications providers for the SMS Sender ID Register. We are also currently in a process of registering as a certified telecommunications provider.
This means we are authorised to support organisations in meeting the new requirements and help ensure their SMS Sender IDs remain compliant ahead of the 1 July 2026 enforcement date.
If your organisation needs help registering Sender IDs and meeting ACMA’s new requirements, we can help.
You can get in touch with our team to discuss your options and how these changes may affect your use of SMS.
What Happens Next?
The SMS Sender ID Register marks an important shift in how organisations send SMS to Australian mobile numbers.
As the new requirements come into effect, now is a good time to review the Sender IDs you use and understand how the upcoming changes may impact your messaging.
If you’d like to discuss what these changes mean for your organisation, or explore how Soprano can support your SMS strategy, you’re welcome to get in touch with our team.