Urgent: Secure Your SMS Sender ID with ComReg This Week

If your practice sends SMS messages to patients — for appointment reminders, prescriptions, Billink links, receipts or follow-ups — there’s a critical change you need to act on this week.

ComReg now requires all practices and consultants to register their Sender ID — the name that appears on SMS messages sent to patients — or risk having messages flagged or blocked entirely.

What Is a Sender ID and Why This Matters

A Sender ID is the name that appears at the top of an SMS message when it reaches your patient — for example, “DrMurphy”, “GPNaas”, or “GPmoate”. It gives the patient confidence that the message is legitimate and from a trusted source.

This new ComReg initiative is an important step in reducing SMS fraud and scam messages across the network. It brings more trust and clarity to patient communications, and we at Billink fully support it.

However, there is an unintended consequence. Because Sender IDs are now issued on a first-come, first-served basis — and were never required to be unique before — it’s possible that:

• A practice may no longer be able to register a long-standing Sender ID they’ve used for years

• Or worse, if they try to send messages using an ID that is now registered to someone else, those messages may be flagged as ‘Likely Scam’

To avoid this, it’s essential to register now. And to make it in time for the 3rd July deadline, you must complete your application this week, as approvals are currently taking 5–7 working days.

What Happens If You Don’t Register?

• From 3rd July 2025: Unregistered IDs will appear as ‘Likely Scam’ on patients’ phones

• From 3rd October 2025: Messages using unregistered IDs will be blocked entirely

What You’re Doing When You Register

When registering, you’re not just claiming a name — you’re also defining how messages are sent on your behalf. There are three key steps:

1. Secure your Sender ID name
   This is the name that appears on patient messages. Once registered, it becomes yours and no one else can use it.

2. Assign any third-party platforms you use
   These include any systems that send messages for you — like Billink, Clanwilliam, or other software providers. You can assign multiple third parties and update this list at any time.

3. Select your SMS provider (OPA)
   This is the company that sends the messages to the mobile network. You should select Commify UK Limited(formerly Esendex). This can also be changed later if your provider setup changes.

Step-by-Step: How to Register

Step 1: Check if your desired Sender ID is available
https://senderid.comreg.ie/sender-id-search

Step 2: Begin registration
https://senderid.comreg.ie/sender-id-sign-up

Step 3: Enter your practice or business details

• If you don’t have a CRO number, click “I don’t have a CRO number” and upload a letterhead or proof of business.

• If the wrong name appears after entering your CRO number, re-enter your details manually.

• If you don’t have a website, you can enter: https://www.imo.ie/  or https://www.irishcollegeofgps.ie/

Step 4: Add your Sender ID
Enter the name you use (e.g. “DrRyan”, “FamilyGP”) and click “Assign 3rd Party”

Step 5: Select your third-party software provider
Scroll to find and select “Billink”, and any other 3rd party you might use eg Clanwilliam Health Ltd, or any other vendor then click “Save”, and “Next”

Step 6: Select your SMS provider (OPA)
Scroll to find and select “Commify UK Limited”, then click “Next”

Step 7: Agree to the terms and submit your application

Important Notes

• This process must be completed by the Sender ID owner — software providers like Billink or Clanwilliam cannot do it on your behalf

• Once registered, you retain full control and can update your Sender ID details, add or remove 3rd parties or message service providers at any time

• For help or questions, email: senderid@comreg.ie

Final Word

This change is a positive step for trust and security in patient communication — but it does require timely action. Don’t leave it too late. Secure your Sender ID this week to avoid service disruption and protect your practice’s trusted name.