Terms and Conditions for SMS Messaging

1. Introduction

These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your use of the Short Message Service (SMS) messaging functionality offered through our VoIP phone service ("Service"). By using the Service to send SMS messages, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

2. Acceptable Use

2.1. Prohibited Content:

You agree to use the Service only for lawful purposes and in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations, including the CTIA Guidelines for Mobile Marketing. You will not use the Service to send any of the following:

  • Spam or Unsolicited Commercial Messages ("Spam"): This includes, but is not limited to, promotional messages sent to individuals who have not opted-in to receive them, messages that mislead recipients into believing they are from a different sender, or messages that are disguised as personal communications.
  • Harassing, Threatening, Abusive, Defamatory, Obscene, or Offensive Messages: This includes messages that are intended to cause emotional distress, threaten violence, are sexually suggestive in nature, damage someone's reputation, or violate community standards.
  • Messages that Violate the Privacy Rights of Others: This includes messages that contain personal information about another person without their consent, or messages that are used to stalk or harass someone.
  • Messages that are False or Misleading: This includes messages that contain false or misleading information about your company, products, or services, or messages that are intended to deceive recipients.

2.2. Additional Restrictions:

  • You will not use the Service to send SMS messages to phone numbers on a Do Not Call (DNC) registry.
  • You will identify yourself clearly as the sender of all SMS messages.
  • You will include a clear and easy-to-use opt-out mechanism in all SMS messages you send. This may include a keyword (e.g., "STOP") or a dedicated phone number that recipients can text to opt-out of receiving future messages.
  • You will comply with all applicable laws and regulations regarding the frequency of messages you send to any individual recipient.

2.3. Monitoring and Enforcement:

We reserve the right to monitor your use of the Service and to take any action we deem necessary to enforce these Terms, including, but not limited to, suspending or terminating your access to the Service.

3. Content

You are solely responsible for the content of all SMS messages you send using the Service. We do not endorse or assume any responsibility for the content of your messages. You agree to indemnify and hold us harmless from any claims, losses, or liabilities arising out of or related to the content of your messages.

4. Delivery

We will use commercially reasonable efforts to deliver your SMS messages to the intended recipients. However, we cannot guarantee that all messages will be delivered successfully. Delivery may be affected by factors beyond our control, such as:

  • Network Congestion: The mobile network may be overloaded, which can delay or prevent message delivery.
  • Carrier Limitations: Mobile carriers may have limitations on the number of SMS messages that can be sent to a single recipient within a certain timeframe, or they may block messages that are deemed to be spam.
  • Recipient Device Issues: The recipient's mobile device may be turned off, out of range, or have other technical issues that prevent message delivery.

5. Fees

You may be charged fees for sending SMS messages, depending on your plan and usage. These fees may include:

  • Per-message fees: A charge for each SMS message you send.
  • Monthly message bundles: A flat fee for a certain number of SMS messages per month.
  • Overage fees: Charges for exceeding the number of messages included in your plan.

We will inform you of the applicable fees before you send any messages. You are responsible for all fees associated with your use of the Service.

6. Disclaimer

The Service is provided "as is" and without warranties of any kind, express or implied. We disclaim all warranties, including but not limited to warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement. We do not warrant that the Service will be uninterrupted or error-free, that defects will be corrected, or that the Service is free of viruses or other harmful components.

7. Limitation of Liability

We will not be liable for any damages arising out of or related to your use of the Service, including but not limited to direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages. This includes, but is not limited to, damages for lost profits, data loss, business interruption, or personal injury.

8. Termination

We may terminate these Terms or your access to the Service at any time, with or without cause. We may also suspend your access to the Service if you violate these Terms, or if we receive complaints from mobile carriers or recipients regarding your use of the Service. You may terminate these Terms at any time by ceasing to use the Service.

9. Changes to the Terms

We may revise these Terms at any time by posting the revised Terms on our website. The revised Terms will be effective on the date they are posted. You are responsible for checking the Terms periodically for updates. Your continued use of the Service following the posting of revised Terms constitutes your acceptance of the revised Terms.

10. Governing Law

These Terms will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Minnesota. You agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts located in Minnesota for all disputes arising out of or relating to these Terms.

11. Entire Agreement

These Terms constitute the entire agreement between you and us with respect to the use of the Service and supersede all prior or contemporaneous communications and proposals, whether oral or written.

12. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is held to be invalid or unenforceable, such provision shall be struck and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

13. Waiver

Our failure to enforce any provision of these Terms will not be construed as a waiver of such provision or any other provision of these Terms.

14. Force Majeure

We will not be liable for any delay or failure to perform our obligations under these Terms if such delay or failure is caused by a force majeure event. A force majeure event is an event beyond our reasonable control, such as an act of God, war, terrorism, riot, labor strike, or natural disaster.

15. Contact Us

If you have any questions about these Terms, please contact us at support@onlinesystemsinc.com.