This article explains how message credits and billing work for the Communication module.
What Counts as a Credit
Email is effectively unlimited. Text and voice messages use credits, and each organization has 1,200 SMS/voice credits in a single pool.
Credits are counted by message length, in 160-character segments, per recipient:
- 1–160 characters = 1 credit
- 161–306 characters = 2 credits
- 307–460 characters = 3 credits
- 461–612 characters = 4 credits (the maximum message length)
This means a single message counts once for every recipient it's sent to. For example, a 612-character message sent to 100 recipients uses 400 credits.
Note: Credits are only deducted for messages that actually send. A failed send doesn't use a credit.
Credit Usage
The character/segment counter in the text and voice message composer shows how many credits a message will use before you send it.
Important: Keeping messages under 160 characters keeps each send to 1 credit per recipient.
Billing and Overage
The Communication plan costs $240 per year and includes 1,200 SMS/voice credits. If your organization uses all 1,200 credits, additional messages are billed as overage at $0.038 per message segment, invoiced monthly based on usage.
If You're Running Low on Credits
Not to worry, any overage will be invoiced to you as stated above.
Renewals
The Communication license runs on a 1-year term and renews automatically. If you have questions about your renewal date or plan, contact ParishSoft Support.
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