A Direct SMS route is set up with an in-country operator or network so avoiding multiple hops via middlemen (aka other SMS gateways) to access a country's mobile subscribers. It is a route of high quality messaging, with high levels of reliability and speed of delivery. Generally, the route will offer control of the sender ID, delivered to multiple mobile status reports, 8bit (Unicode) messaging, and local time stamping. As a guideline here are the latest Direct SMS Prices;
Direct SMS Prices https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/FIrf2/2/
A Wholesale SMS route provide high quality messaging, with high levels of reliability and speed of delivery. Generally, the route will offer multiple mobile status reports, 8bit (Unicode) messaging and local time stamping. This route normally has good capacity but will be multi hop and the reports available may vary. As a guideline here are the latest Wholesale SMS Prices:
Wholesale SMS Prices https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/GuCMp/1/
Since SMS is regulated there are trade rules set by each in country regulatory authority that control if there are Content restrictions, pre-registration requirements and also if Sender ID is supported. Use this information to tailor your SMS sales.
Content restrictions https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/GykAh/1/
Pre-Registrations https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/FvHsv/2/
Sender ID Supported https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/J8laa/1/
It is illegal to trade with certain countries because of trade sanctions. In some countries OTT services are also banned. Use this information as an SMS trade guide.
UN Sanctions List https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/r4JAT/1/
SnapChat Banned https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/nZ3Lf/1/
WhatsApp Banned https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/DEBzh/1/
Telegram Banned https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/XR5EZ/1/
Signal Banned https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/EmYnr/1/
WeChat Banned https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/9h3qF/1/