Hybrid SMS Routing and Optimal Delivery

What is Hybrid SMS Routing?

Hybrid SMS routing intelligently decides which SMS delivery channel to use based on the type of message:

Two-way / Direct Messages: routed via Weconn Gateway for low cost and reliable delivery
Bulk / Campaign Messages: routed via optimized platform providers for maximum throughput

Message Types

🟢 Gateway (Two-Way SMS)

Used for conversations and direct replies in your Inbox:

Customer support replies
Inbox conversation messages
Single, targeted messages
Mobile app Weconn Gateway app (fallback)

Cost: your mobile plan rates | Delivery: depends on the operator

🔵 Platform (Bulk / Campaigns)

Used for high-volume message sending:

SMS campaigns to 1000+ recipients
Promotional messages
Bulk notifications
Scheduled sending

Cost: your WeConn plan rates | Delivery: optimized for volume

What leaves from the phone, by mode

Gateway only: every SMS leaves from your phone, campaigns and marketing journey steps included. The app sends them at the pace Android accepts, about 24 SMS parts a minute, and the campaign review window shows that the campaign leaves from your phone and roughly how long it takes.
Hybrid: conversations and direct messages leave from the phone; campaigns, bulk sends and marketing SMS go through the platform providers.
One-time codes (OTP): always go through the platform providers, in every mode, because they cannot wait for a phone.

How It Works

When you send an SMS through Weconn, the system automatically determines the routing:

Message arrives at Weconn: API, Inbox reply, or campaign trigger
Classification: Is this a direct message or bulk sending?
Provider selection: Route to Gateway or Platform based on classification + quota
Sending: Message sent immediately with reliable delivery tracking
Monitoring: Real-time delivery status and failure alerts

When no phone is online

If the gateway phone is off, without signal or disconnected:

SMS that must leave from the phone wait until a phone connects again; they do not switch to the platform providers on their own. After 10 minutes with no phone online, owners and admins get an alert in the app and by email, then one reminder a day for up to 7 days, and Settings → Channels shows how many SMS are waiting. SMS still waiting after 7 days are marked as failed (they are not charged). Replies are written in the Inbox: the Android app only sends and receives the SMS, it has no reply screen.

Download: the Android app, from Settings → Channels → SMS gateway (Android only)

Cost Optimization

By using hybrid routing, you get the best of both worlds:

Gateway: Lower cost for occasional direct messages
Platform: Lower cost for bulk campaigns
Offline alert: you know in time when SMS are waiting for the phone

Need Help?

Have questions about hybrid SMS routing? Check our other guides or contact support.