How to Temporarily Block SMS on a CommsMobile Service
Published:
Note — CommsMobile 2.0 services: Changes through Service > Features are temporarily unavailable for 2.0 services, so the steps below currently apply to 1.0 services. Partner access for 2.0 is on the way; once live the process will be identical to 1.0. To change a feature on a 2.0 service in the meantime, contact us at helpdesk@commschannel.com.au.
Overview
Apply a reversible block to a customer's CommsMobile service that stops inbound and outbound SMS while keeping voice calls and mobile data active. Useful for handset replacements where the SIM is in transit, customer-requested messaging suspensions, or fraud/abuse holds where the line itself should remain operational.
Steps to Block SMS
- Log into the Comms Portal.
- Locate the customer's service (by MSISDN or service search) and open it.
- Navigate to Service > Features.
- Locate the following features in the list:
- GSMS (GSM SMSMO) — outgoing SMS
- GSMST (GSM SMSMT) — incoming SMS
- Set both features to Inactive.
- Confirm the change. The block applies immediately to the service.
- To reverse the block, return to the same path and set both features back to Active.
Key Notes
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| MMS | Remains active by default. To also block MMS, set GMMS and GMMSV to Inactive in the same Features list. |
| Voice & Data | Calls and mobile data remain unaffected. The customer can still make and receive calls and use mobile internet. |
| 2FA & OTP Codes | Many banking, government, and online services rely on SMS for two-factor authentication. Blocking SMS will prevent these codes from being received. Confirm the customer understands this before applying the block. |
| Queued Inbound Messages | Inbound messages sent while GSMST is Inactive are held by the SMSC for their validity period, then discarded. They will not be delivered when the block is removed. |
| Reversibility | Re-activating GSMS and GSMST restores full SMS functionality. No re-provisioning, porting, or eSIM re-issue required. |
| Billing | The service continues to bill during the block. For billing suspension, raise a cancellation request via the Partner Dashboard instead. |
| Roaming | If the service is roaming when the change is applied, propagation may be delayed until the next network registration. |
| No Portal Access? | If you don't have Comms Portal access for the customer's service, email helpdesk@commschannel.com.au with the MSISDN and we'll apply the change for you. |
