From July, Ireland will begin rolling out a new SMS Sender ID Registry to tackle smishing and protect consumers from fraudulent messages. Led by ComReg, this national system introduces visible scam warnings and message blocking for unregistered Sender IDs. MEF’s Sender ID Registry Operations & Account Manager Tjut Astriya explains what businesses need to know and how MEF is supporting the transition.
In Ireland, the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) has launched a new SMS Sender ID Registry. From 3 July 2025, ComReg will enter the Modification Phase of its rollout. During this period, any A2P SMS traffic originating from unregistered Sender IDs or sent via unauthorised routes will be modified to display “Likely Scam” to recipients. This visible warning is designed to alert consumers and deter fraudulent activity.
The system is being rolled out in two main phases: Modification and Blocking. The Blocking Phase will commence on 3 October 2025. At this point, all unregistered Sender IDs will be fully blocked, and their messages will not be delivered to recipients. These measures represent a significant step forward in protecting consumers and businesses from SMS-based fraud.
How the New ComReg Sender ID Registry Works
The ComReg SMS Sender ID Registry is a national system designed to protect consumers and businesses from SMS fraud (like smishing) by controlling who can use branded Sender IDs (the names that appear as the sender of a text message, e.g., “YourBank”). Only registered and approved Sender IDs can be used for A2P (Application-to-Person) SMS traffic in Ireland. Messages from unregistered Sender IDs or sent via unauthorised routes will be flagged or blocked.
MEF’s Continued Support During Transition
Ireland has been protected by MEF’s opt-in Sender ID Protection Registry. This will remain fully operational in Ireland until 31 December 2025 to ensure a smooth transition and ongoing protection for merchants. MEF is working closely with ComReg, Mobile Network Operators, Aggregators, and Merchants to align technical and operational processes, providing continuity and minimising disruption. This ongoing service supports critical areas such as numeric Sender ID management and fraud response processes throughout the transition period.
After 31 December 2025, MEF will no longer have operational involvement in Ireland, as responsibility for Sender ID registration, management, and enforcement transitions fully to ComReg. This marks a significant shift in the Irish messaging landscape. Nevertheless, MEF remains committed to supporting its members, partners, and the wider industry throughout this transition and beyond.
MEF’s Broader Commitment
MEF continues to operate SMS Sender ID protection services in the UK, Spain, and the Crown Dependencies, and is actively expanding into new markets. Our efforts to tackle A2P smishing and support trusted messaging remain at the forefront of our mission. In addition to our Registry work, MEF serves as a central hub for collaboration on mobile messaging security, smishing prevention, and best practices in anti-fraud compliance.
Get Involved
For more information on the SMS Sender ID Registry, or to participate in MEF’s ongoing initiatives to combat fraud and promote trusted messaging, please contact us or visit our website.
