RingCentral SMS Deprecation
Key components:
Context and Reasoning:
Due to recent changes in regulations and carrier guidelines surrounding SMS messaging, Technology Services must ensure full compliance with legal guidelines. As part of this effort, SMS messaging will be disabled for all GCTS RingCentral users. RingCentral SMS is not designed for marketing or mass communication purposes, which conflicts with our current usage patterns and compliance obligations.
The wireless industry (CTIA) has imposed new regulation on text messaging (SMS or Short Message Service) for anyone sending texts from non-cellphone sources. This includes RingCentral users and campus automation using SMS. The rules apply universally to all users and impose new steps to protect against unwanted messages. Failure to comply may result in fines for the seminary.
Everyone using RingCentral for SMS messaging as well as any other computer automation of text messaging must comply with these rules. The most important requirement for senders is Required Consent. All SMS uses require senders to obtain permission from each recipient before sending them text messages. The permission must be explicit and preserved in written or electronic form. A system designed for commercial SMS usage generally has this automated as part of a text sending chain, including tracking capabilities. RingCentral, unfortunately, does not have this automated, nor does it have any tracking capabilities built in.
If you currently use RingCentral SMS for two-factor authentication (2FA), you must switch to another method for 2FA going forward. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we implement these necessary changes to maintain compliance.
We will be disabling this feature at the end of the day September 12, 2025. This timeline should provide sufficient opportunity for you to make any necessary adjustments. If you have questions or believe continued access to this service is essential for your work, please contact the Technology Services team. We’ll work with you to explore alternative solutions that meet both your needs and compliance requirements.