STANDALONE PLAN
The channel carriers can't filter, block, or throttle.
The Telegram Plan is its own plan — built for regulated and restricted industries that can't use SMS at all. Vape, CBD, THC, Kratom, and tobacco brands get a complete messaging channel without needing an SMS plan. Firearms brands already texting with OtterText can add it as a second channel.
$99
Its own standalone plan
Unlimited
Telegram messages
30,000
Emails included
0
Carrier filtering
SMS has rules. Telegram has none of the carrier ones.
Carriers restrict or outright block SMS campaigns for entire categories — regardless of how compliant you are. Telegram runs over the internet, not the carrier network, so it’s never subject to those same filters.
Vape
Most carriers block vape marketing outright. Telegram gives you an always-on channel for drops, restock alerts, and loyalty offers.
CBD
CBD campaigns get flagged for keyword filters constantly. Telegram messages reach subscribers without carrier-side content scanning.
THC
THC is off-limits for SMS on nearly every carrier network. Telegram is often the only direct-messaging channel available at all.
Kratom
Kratom sits in a regulatory gray zone most carriers won’t touch for SMS at all. Telegram gives you a reliable channel for restocks and promotions.
Tobacco
Most tobacco products — vapes, chew, and loose tobacco — get blocked on SMS. Cigars are the exception and already work fine on SMS; everything else runs on Telegram instead.
Firearms
Your SMS program stays as your primary channel. Telegram adds a second, carrier-independent channel for community, video, and long-form content SMS can’t carry.
A complete plan for the channels SMS can't reach.
The Telegram Plan isn’t an add-on riding on top of an SMS plan — it’s billed on its own, built for regulated and restricted industries that can’t use SMS at all.
Unlimited reach. Predictable cost.
Broadcasts, replies, and automations with no per-message fee.
Open rates, click tracking, and subscriber growth in your dashboard.
Full email builder and campaigns, bundled in at no extra cost.
Telegram runs over the internet, not the carrier network.
Manage SMS, email, and Telegram side by side — no new login.
Broadcast to your channel and reply to inbound messages from the same inbox.
Billed on its own, separate from SMS plans. $99/mo, no contract, cancel anytime.
Live in about the time it takes to set up a group chat.
01
Connect your Telegram channel
Link an existing Telegram channel or let us help you create one — takes a few minutes inside OtterText.
02
Grow your subscriber list
Promote your channel through your website, SMS, email, and in-store QR codes to start building subscribers.
03
Send broadcasts & automations
Build campaigns the same way you do in SMS — drops, restocks, and loyalty offers, sent to your Telegram audience.
04
Track everything in one place
Delivery, opens, and clicks land in the same reporting view as your SMS and email campaigns.
Not a replacement. A second channel that can't be filtered.
Carrier filtering risk
SMS: Subject to carrier and CTIA content review, especially for SHAFT categories. Telegram: Runs over the internet — no carrier review.
Message format
SMS/MMS: Character limits, per-message media fees. Telegram: Long-form text, images, and video in one message, unlimited.
Pricing model
SMS/MMS: Included volume plus per-message overage. Telegram: Flat $99/mo, unlimited messages.
Best for
SMS: Time-sensitive alerts and transactional messages. Telegram: Community, restricted categories, and rich-media campaigns.
Got questions? Straight answers.
Do I need an SMS plan to get the Telegram Plan?
No. The Telegram Plan stands on its own for $99/mo — ideal if your industry can’t use SMS at all. You’re also welcome to run it alongside an existing SMS plan.
Do I need a separate opt-in list?
Telegram subscribers join your channel directly, so it’s a separate list from your SMS opt-ins — you can promote your channel across every other channel you run.
Can I use Telegram alongside my SMS plan?
Yes. The Telegram Plan is billed separately from SMS, so Vape, CBD, THC, Kratom, and tobacco brands can run it as their primary channel, and firearms brands can add it alongside their existing SMS plan.
Is this available for firearms retailers?
Yes. Firearms brands already do well on OtterText SMS — Telegram adds a second channel that isn’t tied to carrier policy at all.
Is there really no message limit?
Correct — the Telegram Plan has no message limit. The 30,000 emails/month included follow the same overage terms as our standalone Email add-on.