Frequently Asked Questions
You can send SMS messages in American Samoa primarily through ASTCA or its subsidiary, BlueSky Communications. Both providers offer various plans and API integration options for businesses and individuals to connect their systems and send messages efficiently.
SMS costs in American Samoa vary depending on the provider and plan. ASTCA offers prepaid plans ranging from $15-$40/month and postpaid plans with custom or negotiated rates. BlueSky Communications offers volume-based discounts and bundle packages for cost savings.
ASTCA serves as both the primary telecommunications provider and regulator in American Samoa. This dual role heavily influences pricing, service delivery standards, and overall market dynamics for SMS communication.
Choose a prepaid plan if your SMS needs are predictable. Opt for a postpaid plan, such as those offered by ASTCA, if you have fluctuating message volumes. Consider BlueSky for enterprise solutions and volume discounts.
Yes, both ASTCA and BlueSky offer API access for seamless integration with existing business systems, allowing automated message sending and receiving, real-time delivery reporting, and compliance management features.
When integrating an SMS solution, define your needs, choose the appropriate provider and plan, implement and test the API, deploy to your live environment, and continuously monitor usage, delivery, and cost.
Optimize SMS costs by implementing redundant provider connections, fallback routing, and monitoring delivery rates. Also, ensure regulatory compliance, negotiate volume-based discounts, and regularly review your usage.
Key regulations include obtaining opt-in consent, disclosing message frequency, providing opt-out mechanisms, adhering to content guidelines, and complying with network quality and service standards.
BlueSky Communications, a subsidiary of ASTCA, provides specialized enterprise SMS solutions, offering dedicated account management, custom API support, and volume-based pricing optimization, leveraging ASTCA's existing infrastructure.
Ensure compliance by obtaining explicit consent, disclosing message frequency, offering easy opt-out methods, adhering to content guidelines, and regularly auditing your messaging practices. Consult Twilio's SMS Guidelines (twilio.com/en-us/guidelines/as/sms).
Ongoing investments include 4G/LTE network expansion, enhanced data centers, improved network resilience, and integration of digital services, impacting business messaging through faster delivery, better confirmation, improved analytics, and higher reliability.
Emerging trends include RCS integration, advanced API capabilities, cross-platform compatibility, enhanced security protocols, hybrid communication models, advanced analytics, integration with business intelligence, and stronger security features.
The American Samoa Bar Association (asbar.org) can provide valuable resources to stay current on the legal information related to messaging regulations and compliance requirements in American Samoa.
BlueSky Communications offers a 15% discount for over 10,000 messages/month and a 25% discount for over 50,000 messages/month. Custom pricing is available for even larger volumes.
Effective SMS service management includes regular review of SMS usage, performance analysis through monthly checklists including volume and cost analysis, delivery rate and compliance assessment, and technical performance audits to optimize messaging strategies.
American Samoa SMS API Pricing: Complete 2025 Guide & Rates Comparison
Send SMS to American Samoa with confidence using this comprehensive 2025 pricing guide. American Samoa SMS pricing starts at $0.05 per message through local provider ASTCA, with international SMS API providers offering rates from $0.039 to $0.30. Compare provider rates, master +1684 country code formatting, and navigate TCPA compliance regulations for reliable message delivery.
How Much Does It Cost to Send SMS to American Samoa?
American Samoa SMS pricing varies by provider and message type. Local provider ASTCA charges $0.05 per message for domestic SMS (effective September 1, 2021), while international SMS API providers range from $0.039 to $0.30 per message.
The telecommunications environment in American Samoa is distinct. The American Samoa Telecommunications Authority (ASTCA) – a government entity – serves as both the primary service provider and local regulatory authority, while the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) maintains federal oversight as American Samoa is a U.S. territory.
Pricing Verification Note: ASTCA rates verified as of September 1, 2021. Contact ASTCA directly at +1-684-699-3000 or visit astca.net for current 2025 pricing, as rates may have changed since last official publication.
SMS API Provider Pricing Comparison
Compare rates from major providers serving American Samoa:
Sources: ASTCA official website (astca.net), Twilio pricing documentation, Message Central pricing calculator, Decision Telecom pricing list (accessed October 2025)
ASTCA SMS Rates: Local Provider Pricing and Features
As the territory's government-owned telecommunications provider, ASTCA offers comprehensive SMS services for individual and enterprise needs.
Consumer SMS Pricing
Prepaid Mobile Plans
Postpaid Plans
Request custom volume pricing for individual and enterprise accounts. For large-scale operations, negotiate rates directly with ASTCA to explore cost optimization opportunities.
Enterprise API Integration Features
ASTCA provides features designed to enhance SMS service integration and management for businesses:
BlueSky Communications: Alternative SMS Provider in American Samoa
BlueSky Communications (AST Telecom LLC), operating in American Samoa since 1999, provides an alternative to ASTCA's services. BlueSky became part of the Amalgamated Telecom Holdings Group in February 2019 and celebrated its 25th anniversary in July 2024. BlueSky is not affiliated with ASTCA but competes as the territory's only other provider offering cellular, internet, and cable TV services.
BlueSky employs approximately 100 staff members and has contributed over $1 million to community programs since 1999.
Enterprise Focus
BlueSky's enterprise solutions include:
Pricing Models
BlueSky leverages its own infrastructure to deliver services. Contact BlueSky directly for current pricing and bundle packages combining voice, SMS, and data services.
How to Send SMS to American Samoa: Technical Integration Guide
Sending SMS messages to American Samoa requires understanding country code formatting, technical limitations, and API integration requirements.
American Samoa Country Code for SMS: +1684 Format Requirements
Country Code: +1684
Format: +1684-XXX-XXXX (E.164 international format)
Mobile Country Code (MCC): 544
Mobile Network Code (MNC): 11 (BlueSky/AST Telecom)
Example: +1684-733-1234
When integrating SMS APIs, format all American Samoa phone numbers in E.164 format:
+1684followed by the 7-digit local number.Technical Note: American Samoa is the only area south of the equator participating in the North American Numbering Plan (NANP).
Critical Technical Limitations for American Samoa SMS
Account for these constraints before implementing SMS in American Samoa:
Source: Twilio American Samoa SMS Guidelines
Step-by-Step API Implementation Guide
Follow these integration steps when implementing your SMS solution:
How to Optimize SMS Costs for American Samoa
Technical Implementation
Regulatory Compliance
Stay compliant with regulations to avoid penalties and maintain brand reputation:
Service Management
Review SMS usage and performance regularly. Implement a monthly optimization checklist:
American Samoa SMS Compliance: TCPA Requirements and Content Restrictions
As a U.S. territory, American Samoa falls under FCC jurisdiction for SMS compliance. The FCC regulates telecommunications across all 50 states, District of Columbia, and U.S. territories including American Samoa. ASTCA serves as the local regulatory authority for territory-specific requirements.
Federal and Territory Oversight
Key regulatory focus areas include:
TCPA Compliance Requirements for American Samoa SMS
American Samoa follows federal Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) regulations. Adhere to these requirements:
Consent Requirements
Opt-Out Mechanisms (Updated April 2025)
Additional Requirements
Content Restrictions
Prohibited content includes:
Penalties: $500–$1,500 per violation for TCPA non-compliance
Important 2025 Update: The FCC's "One-to-One Consent Rule" requiring individual consent for each seller was vacated by the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. However, the Revocation Rule remains in effect.
Sources:
Quality and Service Standards
Service providers in American Samoa maintain quality standards including:
American Samoa SMS Infrastructure: Network Capabilities and Performance
Infrastructure Modernization
ASTCA has made significant infrastructure investments:
Source: ASTCA official website (astca.net, accessed October 2025)
Impact on Business Messaging
These infrastructure improvements deliver:
Future Technology Integration
Emerging technologies will transform the SMS landscape:
Communication Evolution
Business communication is evolving with these trends:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the country code for American Samoa SMS?
The country code for American Samoa is +1684. Format phone numbers in E.164 international format: +1684-XXX-XXXX (e.g., +1684-733-1234).
Can I receive SMS replies from American Samoa?
No, two-way SMS is not currently supported in American Samoa according to Twilio's guidelines (verified October 2025). You can send SMS messages to American Samoa numbers, but recipients cannot send SMS replies back through most international providers.
How much does it cost to send SMS to American Samoa?
Local provider ASTCA charges $0.05 per domestic SMS. International SMS API providers charge between $0.039 and $0.30 per message depending on the carrier, message type, and volume. See the pricing comparison table above for specific provider rates.
Do I need special permissions to send SMS to American Samoa?
As a U.S. territory, American Samoa follows federal TCPA regulations. Obtain opt-in consent before sending marketing messages, support STOP keywords, honor opt-out requests within 10 business days (effective April 11, 2025), and comply with the National Do Not Call Registry.
Which SMS API providers support American Samoa?
Major providers supporting American Samoa include Twilio, Message Central, SMS Tools, Decision Telecom, and local provider ASTCA. Each offers different pricing structures and API capabilities.
Can I send MMS messages to American Samoa?
MMS messages to American Samoa automatically convert to SMS with embedded URLs rather than native multimedia content. Plan your messaging strategy accordingly.
What is ASTCA's role in American Samoa telecommunications?
ASTCA (American Samoa Telecommunications Authority) is the government-owned telecommunications provider and local regulatory authority. ASTCA operates the territory's 5G network, fiber infrastructure, and provides SMS services.
Are there content restrictions for SMS in American Samoa?
Yes. Prohibited content includes high-risk financial services (payday loans, debt collection, cryptocurrency), gambling, controlled substances, pornography, hate speech, phishing, fraud, deceptive marketing, and fireworks. Review Twilio's complete guidelines for full restrictions.
Is two-way SMS supported in American Samoa?
No, two-way SMS messaging is not currently supported in American Samoa. While you can successfully send SMS messages to American Samoa phone numbers (+1684), recipients cannot send replies back through most international SMS API providers including Twilio. Plan your messaging campaigns for one-way communication only.
What SMS gateway providers work in American Samoa?
Several SMS gateway providers support American Samoa, including ASTCA (local provider at $0.05/message), Twilio (programmable SMS API), Message Central ($0.22–$0.24/message), Decision Telecom (€0.039+), and SMS Tools. Each provider offers different API capabilities, pricing structures, and integration options suitable for various business needs.
Strategic Implementation Considerations
Success in the American Samoa SMS market requires balancing technical integration, cost management, and regulatory compliance. Key takeaways:
Understand the unique dynamics of this U.S. territory market to use SMS effectively and achieve your business objectives.
Additional Resources