Terms of Service

1. Agreement to Terms

These Terms of Service ("Terms") constitute a legally binding agreement between you ("Customer," "you," or "your") and RelSMS, a service provided by RelWorx Limited, a company incorporated under the laws of Uganda ("RelSMS," "we," "us," or "our"). By accessing or using our SMS gateway platform, you agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy.

2. Description of Services

2.1 Platform Services

RelSMS provides an SMS gateway platform that enables organizations to:

• Send single and bulk SMS messages through our web interface and API
• Manage SMS delivery, tracking, and reporting
• Integrate SMS functionality into existing applications via RESTful API
• Access sandbox testing environments for development purposes
• Manage multiple organizations and user accounts

2.2 Geographic Coverage

Our services are primarily designed for organizations operating in Uganda and East Africa, with SMS delivery capabilities to mobile networks within these regions.

3. Account Registration and Eligibility

3.1 Eligibility Requirements

To use our services, you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age or the age of majority in your jurisdiction
• Represent a legitimate business or organization
• Provide accurate and complete registration information
• Comply with all applicable laws and regulations in Uganda and your jurisdiction

3.2 Account Approval

All new accounts are subject to our approval process. We reserve the right to reject applications that do not meet our eligibility criteria or comply with applicable laws and regulations, including Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) requirements.

3.3 Account Security

You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials, API keys, and any activities that occur under your account. You must notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account.

4. Acceptable Use Policy

4.1 Permitted Uses

You may use our services for legitimate business purposes, including:

• Customer notifications and alerts
• Two-factor authentication and security codes
• Marketing communications (with proper consent)
• Service updates and reminders
• Emergency and safety notifications

4.2 Prohibited Uses

You may not use our services for:

• Sending spam, unsolicited messages, or messages without proper consent
• Transmitting harmful, abusive, threatening, or illegal content
• Phishing, fraud, or deceptive practices
• Harassment, bullying, or stalking
• Content that violates intellectual property rights
• Messages containing malware, viruses, or malicious links
• Adult content or services prohibited under Ugandan law
• Political campaigns without proper authorization
• Any activities that violate Uganda Communications Commission regulations

4.3 Compliance with Local Laws

You must comply with all applicable laws, including Uganda's Data Protection and Privacy Act 2019, telecommunications regulations, and mobile money service provider requirements.

5. Billing and Payment Terms

5.1 Credit System

Our services operate on a prepaid credit system. You must purchase credits before sending SMS messages. Credits are deducted based on current pricing rates, which may vary by destination and message length.

5.2 Payment Methods

We accept payments through:

• Mobile Money services (MTN Mobile Money, Airtel Money)
• Bank transfers to our Ugandan bank accounts
• Other payment methods as we may make available

5.3 Pricing and Currency

Pricing is displayed in Uganda Shillings (UGX) and other local African currencies as available. We reserve the right to modify pricing with 30 days' notice to customers.

5.4 Refunds

Credits are generally non-refundable once purchased. However, we may provide refunds for technical failures or billing errors at our discretion. Failed message deliveries will result in credit refunds where technically feasible.

6. Service Level and Limitations

6.1 Service Availability

While we strive for maximum uptime, we do not guarantee uninterrupted service availability. Planned maintenance will be scheduled during off-peak hours with advance notice where possible.

6.2 Message Delivery

SMS delivery depends on mobile network operator availability and recipient device status. We cannot guarantee delivery of all messages, as factors beyond our control may affect delivery rates.

6.3 Rate Limits

We implement rate limits to ensure fair usage and platform stability. These limits may be adjusted based on your account type and usage patterns.

7. Intellectual Property Rights

7.1 Platform Rights

RelSMS retains all rights, title, and interest in our platform, including software, documentation, and proprietary technologies. You are granted a limited, non-exclusive license to use our services according to these Terms.

7.2 Customer Content

You retain ownership of your message content and data. By using our services, you grant us a limited license to process and transmit your content as necessary to provide our services.

8. Data Protection and Privacy

Our collection, use, and protection of your personal data is governed by our Privacy Policy, which complies with Uganda's Data Protection and Privacy Act 2019. The Privacy Policy is incorporated into these Terms by reference.

9. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by Ugandan law, RelSMS shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including but not limited to loss of profits, data, or business opportunities, arising from your use of our services.

10. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless RelSMS from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from your use of our services, violation of these Terms, or infringement of any third-party rights.

11. Termination

11.1 Termination by Customer

You may terminate your account at any time by contacting our support team. Unused credits may be forfeited upon account termination unless otherwise agreed.

11.2 Termination by RelSMS

We may suspend or terminate your account immediately if you violate these Terms, engage in prohibited activities, or if required by law or regulation.

12. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

12.1 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of Uganda, without regard to conflict of law principles.

12.2 Dispute Resolution

Any disputes arising from these Terms shall first be addressed through good faith negotiations. If unresolved, disputes shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of Uganda.

13. Changes to Terms

We may modify these Terms from time to time. Material changes will be communicated to customers with at least 30 days' notice. Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

14. Regulatory Compliance

RelSMS operates in compliance with Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) regulations and other applicable telecommunications laws in Uganda and East Africa. Customers must also ensure their use of our services complies with all applicable regulations.

15. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms or our services, please contact us:

16. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable or invalid, the remaining provisions shall continue to be valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.

17. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and RelSMS regarding the use of our services and supersede all prior agreements or understandings.