How to Receive TXT/SMS/MMS

FreePBX Providers
1

This is kind of a n00b question, but I don’t see an answer anywhere in the docs or in the forums.

Can anyone tell me where incoming SMS messages are received in FreePBX/Asterisk?

The only thing that even mentions SMS is the Commercial SMS module. I have that installed, but there is no configuration except for Connectivity > SMS Webhook. That seems like it’s an extension to hook SMS events, but it doesn’t address how inbound TXT/SMS are handled.

Can text messages be received without the SMS module installed? What does FreePBX do with inbound text messages?

I’m using FreePBX v15.0.37.9, Asterisk v18.6.0, and SMS module v1.0.37.

2

These are mobile phone network things and I think the only Asterisk interfaces that directly interface with mobile phone hardware only do SMS. The interface via other networks may be network dependent, e.g SIP MESSAGE, web based interfaces, and other direct interfaces. As such you will have to research your particular environment.

Asterisk has native support for SIP MESSAGE, but I think any other interface will require some sort of third party software involved.

I’m not sure how TXT differs from SMS, in this context.

3

Take a look at this community made module: https://github.com/simontelephonics/smsconnector. It allows you to send and receive SMS/MMS with various third party providers through FreePBX’s UCP. I recommend going to Admin > User Management > [user] > SMS Connector > SIP SMS Enabled > Yes. This allows you to send/receive SMS/MMS outside of the UCP, so a softphone for example. If you need help setting up the module, you can make an issue on the github or message me and I’ll help you out since I had the same question before.

4

Thank you!

5

No problem! Did it work out? Thanks for marking my reply as a solution, be sure to let people know of that module if they want SMS/MMS

6

Sam, actually, I did not use the module (yet). Your link to the Skyetel API docs pointed me to the solution… Skyetel can forward inbound SMS/MMS messages to the API hook, or… It can forward the message to an email address. We use Skyetel as out trunk. (FWIW, Skyetel is an awesome trunking service. Highly recommended.) Since the functionality I actually needed was SMS to email, I didn’t even need to use the SMS module. I just configured the phone line on the Skyetel website.

Thanks again for the answer you provided.

8

anybody know what firewall rules need to be setup? I setup that 3rd party module but it only works when I disable the FreePBX firewall. Thanks!

9

I don’t remember needing to make any changes to my firewall for that module specifically. I would recommend allowing your provider (for me it is Telnyx, sip.telnyx.com) through your firewall. Let me know if it works!

10

My provider is Twilio - it works if I disable the firewall but then stops working once the firewall is enabled…

11

This sounds weird, but go to the intrusion detection settings of the firewall and make sure your devices aren’t banned. My legitimate devices got banned in the past because I accidentally used the incorrect login credentials for SIP accounts too many times. I’m not sure if this applies since I’m assuming you’re able to register, just not send messages. Again, make sure your provider is allowed through your firewall too.