1. Definitions

"Affiliate" means an entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with a party.

"Agreement" means these Terms & Conditions plus any applicable Order Forms, Service Addenda, or Policies.

"Customer Data" means all data, contact lists, message content, and metadata submitted or transmitted through the Services.

"Services" means messaging, communication, voice, API access, number hosting, dashboards, software, and related offerings provided by Helix.

"Order Form" means any ordering document, online subscription, quote, invoice, or pricing schedule referencing these Terms.

"Channels" means SMS, MMS, RCS, WhatsApp, OTT (Viber, Telegram, Messenger), email, voice, or other communication services.

"Numbers" means any short code, long code, toll-free number, virtual number, or identifier provisioned by Helix.

2. Agreement Structure & Order of Precedence

2.1 Primary Governance

These Terms govern all use of Helix Services.

2.2 Additional Documents

2.3 Conflict Resolution

In event of conflict: Order Form → Service Addenda → These Terms.

3. Services Provided

3.1 Global Communication Services

Helix offers global communication services including SMS, MMS, RCS, WhatsApp Business API, OTT messaging, Voice, verification, number hosting, and API integration tools.

3.2 Network Partners

Helix may use subcontractors, carriers, upstream providers, and technology partners to deliver Services.

3.3 Service Evolution

Services may change over time due to regulatory updates, carrier policies, or platform improvements.

4. Customer Responsibilities

4.1 Customer Must:

4.2 Account Liability

Customer is responsible for all activity originating from their account.

5. Acceptable Use & Restrictions

Customer may not:

Enforcement: Helix may block, filter, or stop any traffic violating these Terms.

6. Consent, Opt-In & Opt-Out Requirements

6.1 Consent Requirements

Customer must obtain valid, auditable consent for all recipients.

6.2 Opt-Out Handling

Customer must honor STOP/UNSUBSCRIBE requests.

6.3 Record Keeping

Customer must maintain proof of opt-in and provide it upon request.

6.4 Consequences

Failure to comply can result in immediate suspension.

7. KYC / KYB Verification

Helix may require:

Helix may suspend or deny service if verification is incomplete.

8. Content Filtering, Monitoring & Carrier Controls

8.1 Monitoring Systems

Helix and carriers may use automated or manual systems to detect spam, fraud, illegal content, and policy violations.

8.2 Traffic Controls

Traffic may be blocked, filtered, delayed, or rejected without delivery receipts.

8.3 Purpose

Customer acknowledges these controls are mandatory for compliance and network protection.

9. Numbers: Hosting, Provisioning & Reclamation

9.1 Ownership

All Numbers remain property of Helix or upstream providers.

9.2 Reclamation Rights

Helix may reclaim Numbers for non-payment, non-compliance, regulatory reasons, or inactivity.

9.3 Customer Fees

Customer is responsible for rental, porting, and regulatory fees.

9.4 Compliance Requirements

Customer must comply with CNAM, A2P 10DLC registration, toll-free verification, and STIR/SHAKEN requirements.

10. Service Availability, SLA & Maintenance

10.1 Availability

Services are provided AS AVAILABLE and may be affected by carrier networks, international routing, or third-party platforms.

10.2 Maintenance

Planned maintenance may occur with reasonable notice. Emergency maintenance may occur without notice.

10.3 SLA

Helix may offer an SLA to specific enterprise customers under a separate SLA document. SLA obligations do not apply unless explicitly agreed in writing.

11. Fees, Billing & Pass-Through Charges

11.1 Service Fees

Customer shall pay all fees associated with Services as stated in Order Forms or dashboard pricing.

11.2 Pass-Through Costs

All carrier surcharges, regulatory fees, A2P fees, WhatsApp or OTT channel charges, and pass-through costs will be billed to Customer.

11.3 Pricing Changes

Helix may change pricing at any time. Continued use of Services constitutes acceptance.

11.4 Prepaid Funds

Prepaid balances are non-refundable in cases of fraud, abuse, or Terms violations.

12. Fraud, Abuse & Enforcement

12.1 Zero Tolerance Policy

Zero-tolerance for fraud, spam, illegal content, or compliance evasion.

12.2 Enforcement Actions

12.3 Carrier Fines

Customer is responsible for all carrier fines resulting from misuse.

13. Data Protection & Processing

13.1 Data Processor Role

Helix acts as a processor for Customer Data and will handle it per our Data Processing Addendum (where applicable).

13.2 Helix Commitments

13.3 Customer Privacy Obligations

Customer must comply with all applicable privacy laws (GDPR, CCPA, etc.).

14. Third-Party Dependencies & Subcontractors

Customer acknowledges that message delivery depends on carriers, aggregators, and third-party infrastructure not controlled by Helix.

Helix is not liable for delays, errors, outages, or message failures caused by external parties.

15. API Usage & Security

15.1 API Key Protection

Customer must protect all API keys and tokens.

15.2 Authorized Activity

All activity using Customer's keys is deemed authorized.

15.3 API Suspension

Helix may suspend API access due to abuse or security risk.

16. Warranty & Disclaimer

16.1 AS IS Services

Services are provided "AS IS" and "AS AVAILABLE."

16.2 No Warranties

Helix disclaims all warranties, express or implied, including accuracy, reliability, security, or fitness for a particular purpose.

16.3 No Delivery Guarantee

Helix does not guarantee message delivery, carrier acceptance, or service uptime unless an SLA is explicitly agreed to.

17. Limitation of Liability

17.1 No Consequential Damages

Helix is not liable for indirect, incidental, punitive, or consequential damages.

17.2 Liability Cap

Maximum liability in any claim shall not exceed the total fees paid by Customer in the 90 days preceding the claim.

18. Indemnification

Customer agrees to indemnify and defend Helix from claims, damages, regulatory fines, or losses resulting from:

19. Term & Termination

19.1 Standard Termination

Either party may terminate with written notice unless otherwise contractually committed.

19.2 Immediate Termination

Helix may terminate immediately for violations, fraud, or regulatory risk.

19.3 Post-Termination

Upon termination, Customer must cease use of all Numbers, APIs, and platform access.

20. Modifications to Terms

20.1 Term Updates

Helix may revise these Terms at any time.

20.2 Effective Date

Updated versions become effective upon posting to the Helix website.

20.3 Continued Use

Continued use of Services constitutes acceptance of modifications.

21. Dispute Resolution & Governing Law

21.1 Governing Law

Governing law shall be based on Helix's state of incorporation.

21.2 Dispute Process

Parties agree to resolve disputes through negotiation before litigation.

21.3 Venue

Venue for disputes shall be the courts in Helix's primary business jurisdiction.

21.4 Class Action Waiver

Class-action waivers may be added if desired.