New SMS Sender ID Register Requirements Take Effect from 1 July 2026

From 1 July 2026, new Australian regulations will change how businesses send SMS messages to customers. If your organisation uses branded SMS (where your business name appears as the sender), you must comply with the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) mandatory SMS Sender ID Register requirements.

What is the SMS Sender ID Register?

The SMS Sender ID Register is a national register managed by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). It verifies which organisations are authorised to use a branded sender ID – the name that appears at the top of a text message. It ensures only verified organisations can send SMS messages using a business name, helping reduce impersonation scams and improve trust in business communications.

Why has this been introduced?

As SMS scams continue to increase across Australia with attackers impersonating trusted brands, SMS Sender ID register aims to:
• reduce impersonation and fraud
• protect customers from SMS-based scams
• increase trust in business messaging 
• ensure only authorised organisations can use branded sender IDs

Who does this apply to?

These requirements apply to any organisation sending messages using a branded sender ID via SMS including:
• customer notifications and alerts
• appointment reminders
• multi-factor authentication (MFA) messages
• marketing and promotional campaigns

What do businesses need to do?

• Register all branded Sender IDs through a participating telecommunications or messaging provider
• Ensure the Sender IDs align with business identity;
• Provide an ABN and required identity verification details
• Work with the provider to obtain approval and activate registered Sender IDs.

What happens if you don’t register?

From 1 July 2026, unregistered Sender IDs may be labelled “Unverified” and may be blocked, filtered or identified as a potential scam.

This could result in:
• Reduced SMS delivery rates
• Disrupted customer communications
• Loss of customer confidence and trust

Organisations should complete registration well before the compliance deadline to minimise disruption.

How Nexon can help

If your organisation relies on SMS communications, it is critical to prepare ahead of the 1 July 2026 compliance deadline. Nexon can support your organisation in navigating regulatory changes and maintaining compliant, secure messaging environments.

We can assist you in:
• Reviewing your SMS services and identifying impacted applications
• Coordinating Sender ID registration
• Validating compliance require
• Minimising disruption to business operations and customer communications

Contact Nexon today to begin your Sender ID registration process.

Key Customer Information

Pursuant to Schedule 1 of the Telecommunications (SMS Sender ID Register) Industry Standard 2025, we are required to provide customers with the information below:
• The SMS Sender ID Register is established under Part 24B of the Telecommunications Act
• From 1 July 2026, unregistered sender IDs will be labelled “Unverified”
• Sender IDs must be registered and sent via participating telecommunications providers
• Eligible entities include individuals, corporations, partnerships, trusts, government entities and other recognised bodies
• Entities must demonstrate a valid use case
• Applications must be submitted via participating originating providers

Entities with an ABN

For entities with an ABN, you can apply through participating providers or authorised partners or certified telecommunications providers through the following process.

The Applicant must:
(a) be authorised via ABR or by the entity, (b) pass the identity verification steps required; and
(c) agree to the Register’s terms of use
• ACMA will provide access and instructions after submission about how to access the Register
• Once ACMA has approved the entity, the entity will be able to confirm the registration of the sender identification
• Costs may apply for registering a sender identification including an ongoing annual charge
• Once the entity’s sender identification is registered, it can authorise participating telecommunications providers to send messages using that sender identification

Entities without an ABN

Entities without an ABN must apply via a certified telecommunications provider. Similar verification checks will apply in line with the process for entities with an ABN, however no direct access to the Register will be provided.

Please refer to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) website for more information.