Turn numbers into brand assets

FAQs

• What is a Short Code?

  Short codes, short numbers or campaign shortcodes are network specific access codes used for sending and receiving messages (both SMS and MMS) between consumers and companies. Short codes are shorter than a normal mobile phone number and usually consist of four to six digits, depending on the country.
  
  The reason why short codes are popular is because they're memorable and so are easier to enter into a phone. They can also spell out memorable brand names (phone words) (e.g. 1-800-468-5865 for 1-800-GOT-JUNK), so the short number could be something like 485865 (GTJUNK).
  
  Short codes are typically country specific i.e. you need a short code per country and they rarely overlap across countries (Ireland and UK and some countries in Latin America for example are the exception). In some cases, short numbers are specific per operator, which can be difficult to market across the entire country but this is relatively rare.
  
  In some countries using a short code Sender ID is mandatory, e.g the USA, many parts of LATAM, so as to ensure the identity of the message sender is known at all times for compliance reasons.
  
  In some countries before a message can be sent to a subscriber, an Opt-in MO message must be sent first.
  
  Similarly, in order to comply with local regulations in some countries certain keywords must be supported e.g. STOP, INFO, HELP
  
  There are a number of different attributes of a short code you need to be aware of:
  
  Shared vs. Dedicated
  A shared short code can be shared with other content providers. Keywords are used to differentiate traffic.
  
  Random vs. Vanity
  Premium vs. Non-Premium (or Standard Rate)
  Free-to-End User (or FreeText)
  Test vs. Production (or Live)
  A test short code can be used to prove the application works as it should and supports integration activities with the SMS provider. There are messaging caps to how many messages can be sent via this route.
  
  A few things to remember about short numbers:
  
  They will only work on local domestic phones of the country of the short code, even while roaming abroad, e.g. a UK subscriber, traveling in Sweden will be able to send a text message to a UK short code, but not a Swedish one and vice versa.
  In general short numbers are more expensive than long codes and take longer to setup and provision, but due to their short length are popular for interactive mobile campaigns.
  A few technical bits
  
  When submitting a short code Sender ID via SMPP (and some others), you need to remember to set the correct Source TON and Source NPI settings.

• What’s the difference between Virtual Long Numbers and Short Codes?

  The main difference between these two sender types is how they’re intended to be used. Virtual Long Codes numbers were designed to support P2P (Person to Person) messages – with a relatively low throughput of messages. Short Codes (SC) were designed to support A2P (Application to Person) bulk, higher throughput messaging – this a preapproved route, which eliminates filtering.
  
  Over time, demand for and use of messaging channels has changed. A2P messages are being sent on Virtual Long Numbers , and some Short Code based campaigns support P2P like experiences with the application only hosting the consent and communication experience. The carriers have stepped in to get better control of the traffic on their networks in effort to increase security and deliverability.

• Do I need a Virtual Long Number or Short Code?

  For most countries, you will only need a Virtual Long Number or a Short Code if you wish to engage in two-way interactions with your customers. If you do not wish to engage in a two-way dialogue then in most countries you can simply set the Sender ID (Originator) to something alphanumeric using your brand name e.g. ‘Sinch’.
  
  In some countries however, notably the USA and Canada, a Short Code or Toll-Free Number is required regardless of whether you want to engage in a two-way dialogue, as alphanumeric SenderID’s are not supported. For more information about which countries require a Short Code or Virtual Long Number please contact your Account Manager.

• Where do I get a Short Code?

  Sinch can assist in obtaining a short code in many countries. For the USA we recommend you go directly to the US Common Short Codes and obtain their short code. Once the short code has been leased the short code and the associated campaign(s) can be submitted for carrier approvals.
  
  For short codes in other countries, please contact your Account Manager.

• What is a 10DLC?

  10DLC is a carrier sanctioned channel for transporting Application-to-Person (A2P) messaging using a dedicated 10-digit telephone number allocated within the North American Numbering Plan (NANP).